Balancing School and Baby Advice?

ZaydensMomma

Hi all! I finally decided to continue my education and go to college for my associates degree. Do any of you have any advice on how to balance school and a baby? Most of my classes are online. I only have one class that I actually have to go to the campus for. Any advice is more than welcome and TIA.

Starishna

Congrats on going back to school!!! It can be tough and also manageable. I just finished 4 classes this semester, 3 were online and I had to go to campus for the 4th. My MIL watched my LO during class. All the other class stuff I did while my DD napped. If I needed extra school time I would make arrangements with my DH. One day one the weekend he would take baby duty while I did homework. The second weekend day we spent as a family and I didn't do any homework. I was able to get everything done, have a little me time and family time. I hope it works out for you. What are you majoring in?

fusionbride

it takes some discipline, but is very doable.  my advice is to block out protected time for schoolwork, and stick to a schedule so that you stay ahead on everything.  the most likely time your baby is going ot catch a cold is 12 hours before your final paper is due-- so you just have to be on top of things.
Good luck!

mejane123

My suggestion, and what I'll probably be doing if I end up taking a summer class next year, is to see if you can either drop your LO off an hour or two early or pick her up late. That way, you can hit the library for an hour or two before or after class. It'll at least give you time to put a dent in some of your work. 

Chappy_jr

As a professor for working adults (and a FTM) I wholeheartedly agree with the suggestion above to reserve one or two days (depending on your load) to devote to studying.  You'll probably need to work on other days as well, but if you can get the bulk of reading done, it will cut down on your potential to cram at night.  Secondly, distributed practice (studying a little at a time, starting far before your exams) is absolutely proven to work better than cramming, so always have material on hand for when you can sneak in some study time.  My best friend just graduated from law school and she always had her books in the car with her for when she was picking the kids up from ballet/soccer/etc.

ZaydensMomma

Thanks to everyone that replied! To Starishna: I'm going for my AAS in preschool professionals. I've always wanted to work in a day care setting.

Jackiemxoxo

I agree with all the PP's advice. I am finishing my Master's online and I get most of my school work done during DD's naps. My mom also watches her for 2 hours, 2 days a week which helps a lot. I think if you plan it out it can help a lot versus letting it all pile up.