CHALLENGES
Depending on your individual situation the challenges of being a student mom can be great. First, do you have a partner who is willing to help you cope with the challenges that you will face as a student and mother or are you single and the sole person taking responsibility for your kids. Either way some of the most common challenges and feeling that you will face will be the following:
GUILT: It is very common as a mother to feel the guilt of leaving your children with other people and not always being there for them. I myself have experienced this on numerous occasions. What do you do when your child is crying and hanging on your leg while you are trying to get out the door to go to your evening class. The guilt can sometimes get to be too much. It is always important to think of the final goal. Why are we doing this?
ANGER: It is easy to become angry when we are under stress. Try to manage your anger when you feel like you cannot go on. Remember the final goal. Exercise can be a great stress reliever, and can leave you in a better mood.
Frustration: Frustration is something that most mothers feel even when they are not students. Having the added pressure of studying and writing assignments can make it even worse. Try to manage your time well and know what your limits are.
The biggest challenge with being a student mom is just trying to "do it all". We might feel like we can manage everything but I have learnt that it is better to do less and try to do it well then to take on too much and nothing gets done well. With support, hard work and encouragement it can be done. I encourage all of you to stick to your goals and not give up even when times are rough.
GUILT: It is very common as a mother to feel the guilt of leaving your children with other people and not always being there for them. I myself have experienced this on numerous occasions. What do you do when your child is crying and hanging on your leg while you are trying to get out the door to go to your evening class. The guilt can sometimes get to be too much. It is always important to think of the final goal. Why are we doing this?
ANGER: It is easy to become angry when we are under stress. Try to manage your anger when you feel like you cannot go on. Remember the final goal. Exercise can be a great stress reliever, and can leave you in a better mood.
Frustration: Frustration is something that most mothers feel even when they are not students. Having the added pressure of studying and writing assignments can make it even worse. Try to manage your time well and know what your limits are.
The biggest challenge with being a student mom is just trying to "do it all". We might feel like we can manage everything but I have learnt that it is better to do less and try to do it well then to take on too much and nothing gets done well. With support, hard work and encouragement it can be done. I encourage all of you to stick to your goals and not give up even when times are rough.
