Making the Grade

Once you have been accepted, you're going to have to do some work! Finding time to study and do homework is probably the most challenging aspect of being a college mother. This is one of those things that cannot really be taught to anyone; you just find what works for you and then run with it. That being said, here are a few things I did:

• Use 3x5 cards for notes (esp. helpful with vocabulary and definitions) and keep them in your purse. Read when you're stopped at a railroad crossing, or while waiting for the kids after school.
• Have your children quiz you when you're making dinner or doing laundry.
• Do not procrastinate; even if a project isn't due for eons, do it when you have the time.
• Ask for help. Husband/SO, friends, family are great sources of help when you have a deadline. Use your support network to help with childcare.
• Love your crockpot. You're not always going to have the time or indeed the inclination to prepare a big meal, and the crockpot is a lifesaver during these times.
• Prioritize. Erma Bombeck once said that no one ever died from having an unmade bed. If you really need to study for a test or have a big project that's due soon, give yourself a break and don't obsess that the house isn't as clean as you'd prefer. Oh, and Erma is also attributed to saying, "My theory on housework is, if the item doesn't multiply, smell, catch fire, or block the refrigerator door, let it be. No one else cares. Why should you?" Adopt this thinking, at least while you're in school. Everyone will be happier for it, because you won't be a wreck. And those who are not happy for it? Show them where the sink or washer is.
• If you have kids who can help with chores, let them. Read a chapter of your assigned text while the kids wash the dishes.
• Do your homework while your kids do theirs. It sets a good example, and you might actually get something accomplished.

Obviously, some of these hints will not apply to you if you have very small children. I cannot speak to going to college while having children in diapers, so if you are in this sort of situation, you may have to do some trial-and-error to figure out your best plan of attack. When my children were little, I utilized every second of naptime to get things done, and you'll likely have to do the same. Another option is to meet other student mothers and think about striking an agreement whereupon you watch each other's child(ren) when each other has the need. I have a good student mom friend who would get my boys off the school bus on Fridays because I couldn't be home for them due to my class schedule. I would have been in a state without her help. Find, and be a friend like that if you can!

Here are some really helpful links that detail various study and test-taking strategies.

Department of Sociology: A study guide

Dartmouth Study Guide

Howtostudy.org

Online Research Resources