How to Succeed as an Online Student While Juggling Parenthood
Posted: January 06, 2025 | Author: Madelyn Bushman | Read Time: 5 minutes
Between completing assignments, studying for exams, and making sure your kids are fed, entertained, and well taken care of, finding balance as a parent and online student may feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! Many parents have successfully navigated this challenge, and with the right strategies and mindset, you can too!
Here are some practical tips to help you thrive as an online student at Southern Utah University while juggling the responsibilities of parenthood:
Create a Flexible Study Schedule
One of the many benefits of being an online student is the flexibility that comes with learning online. However, that flexibility can also lead to procrastination or a lack of structure if you are not careful. This is why you need to create a study schedule that accommodates both your parenting duties and academic responsibilities.
Block Out Study Times
Set aside specific blocks of time each day to focus on your online coursework. This could align with times when your children are at school, sleeping, or occupied with an activity. When creating a schedule, try to identify blocks such as after bedtime, early mornings, or weekends.
For example, an alumna, Shemree Naegele, explained “My baby would go to bed at 8 p.m., so I did homework from 8 p.m. to midnight. As a young single mom supporting myself and my child, I learned that I could do hard things, and that has been a lesson I have had to rely on in life.”
Use a Calendar
Many parents recommend keeping a digital or physical calendar that includes both your academic deadlines and family commitments. This helps you visualize when you are busy with schoolwork and when you are busy with your children. This also helps avoid piling up too many tasks for one day. Also, be sure to plan ahead for busy times like exams, major projects, family events, or holidays so you can adjust your schedule accordingly.
Prioritize Tasks
Some tasks will be more urgent than others - and that’s okay! Rank your school work based on deadlines and importance, and address the most pressing assignments first. This can help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Set up a Designated study space
A designated study space can make a huge difference when it comes to productivity. Having a consistent, quiet place where you can focus on your online coursework can help you maintain a separation between school and home life.
Mariah Wheeler, an alumna from SUU’s MIS program, stated “I would have dinner with my family and then go study in the office. My kids could see me through the window of the door, and they knew that my education was important.”
Set Realistic Expectations & Goals
Balancing school and parenting is a big task, and it’s important to set realistic expectations and goals. It’s okay if things don’t always go as planned, and it’s okay if you can’t be perfect in both areas at once. Allow yourself some grace and remember that you are doing your best.
For example, if you miss an assignment or a deadline, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, reach out to your professor for help and ask if extensions are possible.
Next, it’s important to establish clear personal and academic goals at the beginning of your online education. This can help you efficiently allocate your time and keep you motivated throughout the entire program.
An alumna from the MPA program, Karen Peterson, shared, “It was great for my kids to see me studying and sacrificing to complete my master’s degree, see me graduate, and accomplish this goal.”
Having the goal to graduate with your degree not only is a huge accomplishment for yourself, but it also shows your children the importance and value of education.
Communicate with Your Family and Professors
Clear communication is essential while completing your degree. Talk to your family about your needs and the importance of your education. Let your family know when you need uninterrupted time for studying or taking an exam.
Similarly, don’t hesitate to communicate with your professors if you need accommodations or flexibility due to parenting commitments or challenges - whether due to a child’s illness, scheduling conflicts, or a family emergency. Many professors understand the challenges of being a parent and may be willing to work with you, whether it’s offering an extension or accommodating a different exam schedule.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s easy to neglect your own well-being when you are focused on both schooling and parenting, but self-care is crucial to your long-term success. You can’t take care of your studies or your family if you’re not taking care of yourself.
Leverage Online Learning Resources
As an online student at SUU, you have access to a variety of digital resources that can help you succeed. Take advantage of these tools to make your learning more efficient.
Use online tutoring and office hours
The tutoring center at SUU offers free virtual tutoring sessions for online students to get help on assignments, studying for an exam, and more.
The writing center at SUU provides feedback and helps online students improve their writing skills through appointments via Zoom. There is also an option for students to make a written feedback appointment where students don’t have to meet a tutor live, but rather submit their paper to receive feedback.
Additionally, most professors will have office hours available for their students where they can schedule Zoom meetings or connect via email or phone to get help with understanding content, answer questions on upcoming exams or projects, and more. Professors typically will have their office hours posted on the class syllabus.
Make use of these opportunities to clarify difficult concepts or receive feedback on assignments.
Access Online Study Groups
Join or create online study groups where you can collaborate with other students in your classes or degree program. You can connect with students via social media or through Canvas.
Being both an online student and a parent is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right strategies in place, it’s entirely possible to succeed in both areas.
Remember, it’s a journey, and every step forward is an achievement. Stay focused and patient while in school.
Utilize SUU Online’s Resources for more information or help.Tags: College Tips SUU Online