Success Happy

How do you balance parenthood, college, and work all at the same time?

I'm freaking out. I'm pregnant with my 2nd child. The first one was unplanned, but I didn't have nearly as much going on in my life. Now, it was also unplanned, but not entirely my fault. I have a lot going on, I'm in college, I'm supposed to start my program this fall, I've been going to school and working 6 days a week for 1 1/2 years. It's been working out but the new addition is going to "complicate" things. Any ideas on how I can be Super Woman and Super Mommy all at once?

Public Comments

1. Unfortunately Super Woman doesn't really exist, and you'll never survive if you try to live up to that expectation (I believe). You'll wear yourself down, and not enjoy spending time with your children. You will get tired at work, and may not be able to perform to the best of your capabilities. And school...well, I'm sure you know you could be cutting corners her and there. Is there any other option? I mean, we only live once and you don't want to regret loosing out on special time with your children. Can you cut back on your work hours? Can you take just online courses? Do you have friends and family to help you? Have you checked into government assistance programs? Don't be ashamed to take full advantage of them whether it's a grant, daycare, etc. I don't want to sound too depressing, I am just trying to be realistic because that is the answer I would want. I've pushed myself too hard and I wish somebody would have stopped me because I do regret missing out on certain things.
2. How is it not entirely your fault? You should have learned the first time when it was "unplanned." To answer your question about balancing-you are going to have to set up a time schedule to follow each day and a budget. Your children should be on a similar schedule and you should have you day planned out as well. If you are just that overwhelmed, you should look into going to shool online or if you have a supportive husband, looking into school on the weekends. If the school schedule is not flexible, your only other options are to try to cut back on your work hours or to suck it up.
3. Well, first, you might not be able to do it all! Things do change when you are pregnant and also when you have a small baby. Do what you can and take help when it is offered. You can work, be a great mom AND go to school. Just set priorities and remember you cannot do it all.
4. To be honest, you can't---at least not without getting a little help! I am in college and working right now with a three month old, and the single most important thing you can do is talk with your teachers, your advisor, the dean of students and tell them what is going on in your life. As much as it was uncomfortable for me to approach my professors, they were all very understanding! They allowed me to hand in course work through email and one even sent me all of the course notes and allowed me to take exams online. People are usually more than willing to help, but you have to talk to them first. Don't be too proud to ask for help. If you have family close by and they offer help, take it! For me, my school is 8 hours from my family and 4 hours from my fiance's family so that wasn't an option. Make sure you have a really great support system. Also, if you don't already have one, find a good babysitter/daycare that you feel comfortable sending your child to if you need to. Good luck with everything and I hope all works out!!