How do you find time to study?

Kat - posted on 01/26/2010

This is a tough age. Have you tried putting them to bed a little earlier? My kids tend to wake up while it's still dark out, too, and it drives me nuts! So we've started putting them to bed at 7, and they aren't allowed out of their rooms until breakfast (except to use the bathroom). Sure, we have little spats every once-in-a-while, but for the most part, they've gotten used to it. Plus, it gives me 12 hours of less-interrupted time to work on courses, sleep, wash dishes, etc.

Chrystal - posted on 01/24/2010

Make yourself a set schedule. I would go to school a little bit early so I could study for at least an hour per day. The bulk of my studying and homework time happened when my daughter was asleep. My major is very demanding and requires at least 4-5 hours of studying per day... so I ended up with approx. 3-4 hours of sleep every night. COFFEE helps!!!!

Lauren - posted on 01/21/2010

I study during bath time my son loves to take baths so when he is in there I sent on the toliot and get to it. I also allow him to watch on movie like diego which at the most is 30 mins. I also take him to my parents so I can study in the back room. And last I study on the floor next to him while he is playing not as productive but we get to hang out. WHen he eats also any little bit I get I take because it is so hard to find time, and not feel guilty

Carrie - posted on 01/20/2010

My son goes to a program called Mother's Day Out. It is only two days a week for 5 hours. That helps me out ALOT! he is almost eleven months old and he only takes 1 nap during the day! I know toddlers that take more naps than he does! I feel like it overwhelming sometimes with all this school work rolling in at the same time. But dont get discouraged. Good luck!

Kimberly - posted on 01/20/2010

it is great you are trying on your own but it is difficult to manage time with a family therefore you need some help in the department of caring for the kids to be able to study.



it wonderful your husband has a job outside the home...but he also helped to create those daughters and that means he has a job inside the home as well to help care and rear them just as you do.



it would not kill him to help out once he is home and in the long run will make his relationship with the kids alot stronger and closer. switch off tasks such as bath/bed routine or supper and ask then enforce 2 days a week minimum for his help. if he loves respects and supports your efforts in bettering yourself and working towards helping the family with your schooling he should not have an issue at all.

__________________________________________________



you could try to relearn the kids on sleep habits..



lay them back down when they get up until 6 or 6:30am. either enforce this as still bedtime or put on a 2 hour kids movie for them to watch while they lay down. but do not play or let them run around.



maybe break the naps up and make sure they are not in late afternoon. say only an hour nap at 10 and at 1 never after 3.



move bedtime to 8:30



if you still get up at 4:30 this will give you 2 hours in morning < 3 if you take advantage of 10am nap> then another hour after lunch..if your man takes care of the supper or the bath/ bed time routine gives you another hour or hour and half. then of course you will have some quality time to spend with the hubby after they go to bed or finish any undone house or school work before you go to bed. that is almost 6 hours of freetime for your to study.



also get to know a neighborhood preteen or teen that might help for an hour or 2 for 5 or 10 bucks..let them watch kids in your house.

Dawn - posted on 01/19/2010

Look for a "Mommy's Day Out" program in your area. We have one here that kids can go to on Monday, Wed, and Friday. It is from 8 - noon. If you have something like that in your area that would give you some time to get some work done. Usually churches run those types of problems. Also, ask your hubby if he will watch the kids for a hour or so so that you can get some studying done. He may be willing to help a couple of days a week. Hope this helps! Be Blessed, ~Dawn~

Emmy - posted on 01/19/2010

Just because your husband works all day doesn't mean he can't help you out when he gets home. Taking care of kids all day is a chore in its self. You are also going to school. Even if your husband keeps and eye on the kids for an hour or so a night, that should be enough time for you to do some work, or you could try a shorter nap during the day. Do some homework, then lay down for a little bit. I stayed at home with mine untill he was 11 months old my husband worked and went to school, and I went to school two nights a week. Even then it was hard with just one. Remember what you do is work too, kids are a full time job!

Brandi - posted on 01/18/2010

Also in the summers it was really helpful for me to sit outside and study or do homework while the kids played in the backyard. I was actually able to get most reading assignments done that way. They tend not to cling to mommy when they are outdoors! ;) Good luck!

Brandi - posted on 01/18/2010

I totally understand! I have 3, one age 5 and 3 yr old twins. I try to cram what I can in on the weekends or stay up late. Online classes can be tuff because it's all from home. I take classes on campus and try to stay late or go in early to study in the library. It would be most helpful if your husband is on board to help give you some study time. Otherwise I would go part time until preschool. Good luck!

Jessica - posted on 01/17/2010

My daughter is 19 months old and i have learned to squeeze in study time when they are playing or when they nap and when she goes to bed i take an extra hour to do the homework i need to get done. All my classes are online and i find it easier than going to school. If you really need extra time take your kid to daycare a couple hours a day that too can help

Miyuki - posted on 01/16/2010

Student mom's time is so limited. When I register the classes I have to think about kids' schedule so that I cannot really take the class that I have to spend huge amount of time outside somewhere. (group researches, visit somewhere, or lab) I need to study efficiently. I wouldn't miss the class but focus and prepare well for each class so that I do not need lots time to review or prepared for the classes and exams. I start term paper as early as possible. I find time between classes and spend in a library. I talk to professors about my kids. They understand especially when kids get sick or have some other situations. Also, having good classmates would help me a lot. Copy their notes if you have to miss the classes and communicate with them when you have a chance. (group study or even chat) I know it is not easy but I chose being a student and I think you do. I don't get enough sleep too but wait until summer or winter to get rest and to have fun. (I never take classes during those time so I can spend with my kids all day.)

Amber - posted on 01/15/2010

I feel for you hunny, thankfully my Daughter is nine and she is in school all day while I'm in classes. Sometimes I study while she is awake (not well. . . she's in my ear right now) but I usually wait for her to go to sleep. so I figure out what assignments are due what day and knock them out usually the night before they are due. It seems to work for me.

Vanessa - posted on 01/15/2010

I take seminar classes that have about 10 full day lectures per semester. My husband takes days off where he can so I can go, or I just skip it and get the lecture notes of the web. I do all my assignments and study on the weekends. One Sat or Sun a week my husband will take most responsibility for looking after the baby (except for breastfeeds) and I will just slog it! I have found that having a bub has made me much more focused and I have actually done better at uni because of it. I used to tool around on facebook all day, maybe writing 1000words. Now I can do a whole assignment in a day because I don't mess around, I am so keen to get back to playing with my bub! Good luck!

Rana - posted on 01/14/2010

Oh, It's not easy. I study when she naps, and then stay up 5 hours after she sleeps to study at night, and then wake up with her. So, basically lack of sleep.

Hollie - posted on 01/14/2010

I guess I am older than most here, because mine is 14. I started school when he was 11, and got my AA in secondary ed. last year. I am at the University going for my BA now, and the whole time I have been in school I stopped sleeping during the semester =). I work full time also, so I put everyone (my kid and my husband) to bed, and I do my homework then. I just keep telling myself that in 2 1/2 more years I may get a chance to sleep.....

Jessica - posted on 01/13/2010

Why not just sleep that extra half hour and wake when they do. Maybe that way you can stay up while they nap. If your husband can't help, then get a babysitter. Some at-home babysitters charge by the hour. This way you can study and you know your girls are being taken care of. I'm lucky my parents are home evenings; they watch my nephews, and when I need to get some extra study time. I go to may parents home, my son plays with his cousins and I study.

Lisa - posted on 01/07/2010

I set up a system with my husband. We post our schedule on the refrigerator so we both know when I am supposed to be studying. This gives him daddy time with our son, and I get some work done each night.

Vanessa - posted on 01/07/2010

Check out places in your area that may have play groups where you can drop the girls off for a few hours a day or week. What time does your husband get home? Maybe have him watch the girls while you get some studying done. My husband does this for me when I need him to, usually I go to the university or the public library and get a lot of work done there. or you can get the girls into activities at home while you are working. maybe having them do some kind of art project that will keep them occupied? Hopefully some of my suggestions help you! Good luck and don't get discouraged!!