Just when you think you've learned some great study habits, a new challenge is added. You're going to have a baby! Maybe you're an older student returning to school, or maybe you're a teen mom. Whatever the reason, you're going to have to learn some coping skills.
Throughout your pregnancy, and later on after the baby is born, your schoolwork still needs to be done. But it's not going to be easy. There will be many demands on your time, and many distractions. Here are some tips to help you manage:
- Communicate with your teacher(s). Let him or her know what your situation is. If you are queasy and are having difficulty making it to certain classes, your teacher needs to know. He also needs to know if your due date is approaching, especially if it occurs during exam week.
- Do as much work in advance as possible. Don't think you will have the time or energy to work on that twenty page essay while you recover in the hospital. Get it done as soon as it is assigned.
- If your baby is due in the middle of a semester, make arrangements with the teacher or administrator for the time and assignments you won't be there for.
- After your baby is born, realize that his needs come first. Don't get frustrated trying to do to much at once.
- Take advantage of all offers to help. Relatives, friends, neighbors, and classmates can all rock babies and change diapers while you do some studying.
- If you are taking a single night course that does not necessarily have to be done at this time, consider postponing it until after the baby is a few month's old.
- Make childcare arrangements that you are completely comfortable with for those times when you are at school or writing exams. If your mind is at ease you can concentrate better.
- Finally, get some rest when you can.
This article was written by Cathy Spalding, a former About Guide to Homework Help and Study Tips. Thanks for helping me out while I'm resting with my newest little one!
