I welcomed my daughter during the winter of my junior year at college. I decided to take a break from classes that semester and returned the following August when she was six months old. I knew balancing school, a part-time job, my handmade shop, and parenting would be demanding, but I had no idea just how challenging it would be until I was immersed in research papers and baby food.
I navigated through countless sleepless nights, endless assignments, and a toddler’s sniffles over four grueling semesters. I found myself writing essays with the cheerful tunes of kids’ shows in the background and a fussy baby on my lap. I wrestled with the guilt of leaving her to attend classes or the library, often hearing her cries as I headed out the door. Yet, amidst the chaos, I cherished those moments with her during such delightful stages of her development.
As I approach graduation, I’ve taken some time to reflect on this unique journey of completing my degree as a parent. I discovered that laughter is the best remedy for stress, and I’d like to share some insights from my experiences:
- College students and toddlers share a lot in common; both tend to whine about hunger, boredom, or the need for a nap.
- Typing a paper while breastfeeding is entirely feasible. It requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to block out the sounds of nursing. Be ready for unexpected moments when the baby decides to unlatch!
- Early morning classes become a breeze when you’re trying to escape an irritable toddler. I’m forever grateful to daycare teachers, grandparents, and other caregivers.
- Once classmates discover you’re a parent, you inevitably become the go-to voice on topics related to children. Discussions about parenting will often lead to you sharing your opinions on whether boys should play with dolls or the educational value of TV.
- Your bag filled with snacks and pain relievers will be a lifesaver for you and your friends, and you might find yourself affectionately dubbed “Mom” by your peers.
- Expect to find pacifiers replacing pens in your backpack after your toddler uses your writing tools to doodle in your math book, which may also be missing.
- The sleepless nights of early parenthood prepare you for late-night paper writing sessions while your toddler snoozes on your lap (because they refuse to sleep in their own bed).
- After applying all your patience to your toddler’s creative pasta art on the walls, you’ll find it hard to sympathize with college students’ excuses, like “I couldn’t finish my paper because I worked at Starbucks.”
- You’ll discover inventive spots to study, such as perched on the toilet lid while keeping an eye on your child creating a bubble beard in the bathtub.
- Swapping responsibilities with your partner, who works 60 hours a week, will feel like a vacation. His job doesn’t involve homework or toddler tantrums.
- Mastering time management is crucial. Use a planner to jot down every assignment, due date, and even social lunches. You can’t remember it all on your own.
- Many professors show great understanding and flexibility toward non-traditional students. Instead of asking for extensions, consider requesting assignments in advance and keeping your professors informed of your tight schedule. “My child deleted my paper while I chased the dog” is a perfectly valid excuse for a late submission, just like “my kid had a major meltdown an hour before the deadline.”
- No matter how hectic or sleepless my life gets, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It’s all for my daughter—every single moment.
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In summary, navigating college life while raising a child is no small feat, but the lessons learned and the love shared make every challenge worthwhile.