Hello!

I am technically a stay at home mum, but have gone back to uni part time to finish my masters. I will probably work part time after I eventually finish. How do you cope with being a mum and working/studying? It’s such hard work to do both well and I’m wondering if it’s worth it or should I just be a full time mum for now?


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  • I suggest doing what works for you. Some people work or study full time and care for their kids, some part time and some not at all. I was working part time and wanted to wait until my kid was about 15 to go full time as I wanted to have quality time with my kid until he would likely be busy with friends.


  • It’s definitely hard! But if you’re studying what you love, looking to better your employment opportunities for the future, then it will definitely be worth it


  • We were lucky to have our mother in law helped us while I worked part time at the time with both my kids and then worked full time when they were a bit older . The problem with young kids is they constantly need attention and when they start walking it gets worse as constant supervision is needed to keep them safe . There is no right or wrong about studies as it is how you fit in your schedule and if you still have the energy to do it while looking after the family . Being a f/t mum , is emotionally rewarding if that is what you want first , then you can study a bit later once bub settles a bit .


  • I have studied whilst at home with 2 babies. It can be done. You have to be super organised and make the most of your time both with the kids and with studying. I found the hardest part was to stay motivated. If I had a bad night with the kids it was hard for me to have the energy to study the next night. But just give yourself one day off a week of studying and knuckle down on the other days.


  • you just have to get adjusted to a new routine but try to organise yourself and your kids


  • Being organised is the key. Also having a supportive partner helps. It’s hard work but you can do it. The only thing I can say is the longer you put it off the harder it is to get bad into the swing of things.


  • im a full time mum and studying part time, but I don’t work. I would love to return to work but until my son (my youngest) is in full time school next year, I will stay at home.
    Even now, I struggle to find enough time in a day to do the house work, ensure meals and lunchboxes are done, the groceries, school pick ups, volunteer at school, and studying/assignments. Plus I have my friends that like to catch up for coffee or lunch….it is never ending! Its midnight before I get to go to sleep! I give full praise to those who work full time, study full time and have families!


  • You just have to work out a system that works best for you and your little one. Cooking some meals in bulk, studying whilst little one is asleep and asking partner ( if you have one) or family to help look after bub so you can study helps too. Good luck with your studies.


  • I work 3 days a week and find I am exhausted come the 4th day of the week (I have a toddler and I am pregnant). Some days I just do what I can, which may not be much. We cook meals in batches and freeze them so they are always a few mins away rather than take away which is expensive and often unhealthy. Online grocery shopping delivered saves time, and the rest I think is routine and taking advantage of when your little one is asleep. Personally, I think – the older your children get and the longer the gap in your studies, the harder it would be to go back and complete your studies. Ie if they were at school then you only have school hours but I guess it depends on your personal circs and what support you have


  • A set routine is essential. I was a full time working mum and am soon staring this again. Have to be disciplined in not bringing work into family time and work to streamline household tasks so family time is actually family time.


  • My Ex sister in law is a single mum (no help from her Ex at all). She works full time, raises her son, and has just completed her Masters. She ended up not sleeping very much at all. As she couldnt do much study while her son was awake. She ended going to sleep not long after her son went to bed and got up at 3 in the morning to do all her assignments. One day over the weekend mum took her son out for the day so he could study. She did most of her study off campus. She had a very hard few years but she made it through.


  • Its a balancing act but you have to do what you are comfortable with. I found that being a stay at home was not for me so I needed to get the balance right for me to feel (and function) in a way that felt right.


  • Organisation and routine is key. Giving it a go and then evaluating is a good idea too.


  • I work from home 3 days a week while looking after my 9 month old. It’s challenging but I just have to be vocal when I need help from my partner and he has been pretty good I do have to remember he has worked all day too but sometimes it’s hard working taking care of Bub and making sure the house is clean and dinner is cook.. Routine is key :)


  • I work 3 days a week and it is hard. I find that being organised is the key to staying sane. Meal preparation for the week, making sure that daycare bags are packed the night before, having the kids dinner in the fridge ready to go when I get home, these all help. I’m lucky my work is flexible and let me leave early to do daycare pickups and I try once a week to work from home to minimise the stress from the morning and night time rush.


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