7 Ways to Survive Being a Mom in College

When my husband and I decided to have a baby, we knew it would mean that I would be finishing college after the baby was born. It was kind of scary to think about, but we took a leap of faith and knew it would all work out. If you are also going to be a mom in college or are currently a mom in college, then I have some tips that will help you know how to navigate this unique time in your life.

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1. Prioritize being a mom. 

This first piece of advice should influence most of the decisions you make regarding your education, career, and hobbies. 

The ability to be a parent is one of the greatest gifts and responsibilities God has given us. Therefore, we need to not take it lightly. If you feel that postponing your education is best for you and your little one, then that’s okay! There’s no need to feel ashamed or that you aren’t worth as much for ”just” being a mom. (Check out my post, No Such Thing as “Just a Mom” for a boost of confidence!)

No matter the choice you make, make sure that you have a good chunk of time set aside for being with your child(ren).

2. Remember self-care.

While the last piece of advice is super important, don’t let your own needs be neglected while trying to care for your little one. If you feel like you are drowning and that you can never get a moment to yourself, then you may need to reevaluate your schedule. 

One way I make sure I take care of myself is by getting up before my daughter wakes up, praying, and studying the scriptures. It gives me the peace and confidence I need to get through the rest of my day. 

Getting your exercise in for the day is also important! I find that I am more energized and happy when I make sure to exercise at least a few times each week. 

3. Don’t take a full load of credits. 

One of the best things I have done is decrease my credit load. I would usually take about 14 credits, but staying between 6 and 8 has made it so that the workload is manageable and I still have the majority of my time to focus on my baby. 

Taking online courses is also a good option! I took an online course in my third trimester, and I was able to get ahead so that I only had a couple assignments left and a final to take after the baby was born.

4. Utilize nap time!

Without nap time, I don’t think I would make it through school. I don’t want to be distracted from taking care of my daughter, so I don’t do homework while she is awake unless my husband is watching her. As soon as she falls asleep, I drop everything else I may have been doing (dishes, laundry, etc.) and head straight to my homework. I have found that I procrastinate less, am more productive, and feel less stressed when I use nap times in this way.

5. Have a good support system.

Make sure that you have people who will help you achieve your goal of finishing college while being a parent. This is not something you can do on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! 

It has been super beneficial for me to live only a few miles away from my parents and grandparents. My husband has also had the flexibility of working from home most of the time. This has made getting a babysitter very easy. If you don’t have family nearby, consider a friend who you can trade off babysitting so that you can save money. 

My family and Chase’s family have been very emotionally supportive and encouraging as I go through college while parenting. Friends have also been very encouraging; I don’t remember anyone who made me feel stupid for choosing to finish my degree with a baby. If anyone gives you a hard time for making this decision, stand up for your choice and don’t let them drag you down.

6. Focus on the positive.

You may wonder what you got yourself into as you try to juggle homework, changing diapers, getting enough sleep, going back and forth from classes to home, etc. But remember that you are doing a good thing! You are not only gaining valuable knowledge that will bless you and your family, but you are caring for a precious little human! You are super mama!

To boost your confidence or show off your mama powers, you could consider wearing one of these shirts!

7. Let God be in control.

It can be very easy to have a jumble of tasks and to-do lists crowding your brain and stressing you out. Remember to take time to relax. I have found that mindfulness, meditation, and prayer help me to let go of my thoughts and give them to God. If He can part the Red Sea, raise people from the dead, and feed 5000 with only a few fishes and loaves of bread, then He can help me get everything done that I need to get done. Pray for peace and guidance to know how to best manage your schedule, and God will help you!

If you let God be in control of your life, then you don’t need to be anxious about what grade you’ll get on your next exam or whether your baby will sleep through the night. He will help you through those tough times and help you make the most of them. 

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Luke 1:37

If you feel that being a mom and going to college is the right path for you, then go forward with confidence and trust in God! Don’t let anyone make you feel discouraged. God knows your goals and desires, and He can help you achieve them! 

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