How to balance being a mom and a student? After taking two major exams with my baby now toddler I figured it would be nice to write a post on my experience coming from the mom, wife, and full-time physician prospective. Scroll down to check out my new IG Reel below and follow me at active.md.mommy!
Top 3 tips for balancing studying and parenting:
Time management:
As a type A person, this typically came naturally for me. BUT after I became a mom, I struggled with this. You have to find what works for you but I’ll share what worked for me. Last year I was able to study during nursing sessions, nap time, and after she went to bed. While it was a lot to balance it all I found that was much easier for me because she was NOT mobile. Now that she’s a toddler I can barely take my eyes off of her for a second. (For all those with toddlers you know what I mean). So I had to switch up my strategy. What worked for me was staying at work, finding a quiet place and studying before I came home. Which leads me to my next point flexibility.
Flexibility:
As a parent you already know the in’s and out’s about being flexible. But I initially found it harder to be more flexible about my studying as a new mom. If anyone knows me, they know I am very regimented and hold myself accountable to my study schedule. So to say the least I was on the struggle bus for a little while trying to figure this out. I knew I wasn’t willing to wake up earlier than I already do as a resident but I also enjoyed studying at home. IF I studied at home I was going to accomplish nothing with a toddler at home. So I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to be flexible and stay after work.
Consistency:
Not everyday will go according to YOUR plan. Many times your kids and family will need to come first, as they should. But just know studying for 20-30 minutes a day CONSISTENTLY is better than not studying at all. Some days you may not be able to study and that is fine! But that’s when being consistent comes into play.
Hope these quick tips can help another mama in need of finding that balance.
“In this world there is no force equal to the strength of a women determined to rise”
-W.E.B. Du Bois
IG Reel on How to balance being a mom and a student?
Xoxo,
TheActiveMedic