Depending upon how old you are, you may be returning to high school, starting off your freshmen year of college , or even simply taking classes as your time and budget allow. The important thing is that no matter what is going on, you are continuing your education. Your perseverance will ultimately shine through all of the difficult times that come with the territory of being a teen parent, and as your daughter or son grow and evolve into an older and more mature child, he or she will see what you did for yourself and for them.
The number one reason most teen parents seem to give for not continuing their education after the birth of their child is that they don't feel they have the time to dedicate to class work and homework. The truth however is that as a teen parent, you can't afford to not continue your education. Children grow bigger and smarter every single day, and as they become strong confident toddlers, and then bold children, and even on into terrible teenagers - you need to be prepared to secure the life and well being of your individual family unit. The only way to make sure you are able to provide for you and your child is through education, which will open so many doors that have otherwise shut themselves. You can also use your education as a way to validate yourself, and prove that there is so much more to you than just the inexperienced, and scared young parent that people may try to label you as.
If you are heading to school, and your tot is headed to day care, here are some simple ways to make your school days run much smoother:
* Layout both your clothes and your child's clothes the night before: this includes pants, shirts, under garments, socks, shoes, hair brushes, book bags - anything you and your child will need the next morning. By making sure that you've got these set out, you have one less thing to worry about while you're trying to start your day. Check the weather before you lay out your clothes though, so no one ends up wearing sun dresses in the snow.
* Establish a morning routine: It's not just your kid that will benefit from knowing what comes next, you will too! Minimize your morning confusion by having a set of standard practices you and your child adhere to every day. Try waking up, going to the restroom, getting ready, and then helping your little one. If you have an older child, charge them with the responsibility of putting on the clothes you both laid out the night before and washing their face. Make sure you double check their work before you head out the door! Once you arrive at preschool with princess still in her pajamas, you might not have the time to run home and change.
* Maximize your time apart: if you are at school, and your child is at day care or being watched by a gracious friend make sure you are actually spending your time doing the things that need to be done. If you are staying at home and working on homework or a project - turn off the T.V, lock the doors, and hunker down. If you have extra time - spend some of it cleaning - so when your bambino gets home you don't have to fret over the mess you're walking into. If you're at school while you're away from your baby - use free periods or lunch hours to complete your homework, and DO NOT allow yourself to get behind. Time management is a major key to being successful at any stage in life.
* Set an early bed time for your child: Ms. Kimberly Cochran, who earned her High School Diploma, her Certified Nursing Assistant certification, as well as her Bachelor's's degree and Master's Degree after having her daughter at the age of 17 urges that setting an early bedtime for her daughter was one of the most important keys to ensuring her academic success. "Giving Mikayla an early bedtime so that I had the opportunity to get my work done after she went to bed [was something that helped me get this far]. I couldn't have done it otherwise, because I can't work with distractions." Let your child go to bed early, and then get right on your homework. If your child isn't used to going to bed early - it may be a difficult transition at first, but you can help by trying to wake them up a little bit sooner.
* Make lists: The key to feeling as if you can handle your school work, raising your child, and your life is organization. Buy a small notebook, and keep a list of your daily goals, your week goals, and even your month long goals. Write down appointments, errands, and household chores so you can visually see what you have to do, and organize when you do things by level of importance. Lifehack.com offers some great tips on how to get organized, and then stay there.
* Take some R&R: the effects of R&R are grossly underestimated by mothers of every age around the world, and the amount of R&R needed to be effective is greatly overestimated. The truth is that every mother of every age needs some time to themselves to unwind and mentally and physically reset. But also remember, that while it's important to take some "Me Time" it's also important to spend your downtime with your child. Block out time every day where the computer, telephone and TV are off limits, and your only focus is your child. Let them pick the activity or set up something special and fun to do. At night, after they are asleep, try taking between a half hour to an hour twice a week to pamper yourself. Try meditating, or taking a long hot bath and painting your toenails. Be careful though, don't over-indulge and get too lax in your scheduling.
Using these 6 tips will help you keep your feet on the ground, and your heart in the right place as you embark on your adventure through one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of being a young parent. Remember that there will be difficult days, but take those days in stride, and always try to make sure you aren't taking the stress and frustration out on your child. Keep your goals realistic, and in no time you'll be done with your education - and on to more amazing things!
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