Balancing the demands of parenthood with our own personal and academic goals: it's tough. From school runs to bedtime stories and, of course, the challenges that come with children who start to push the boundaries can force our hand to the point that we prioritise them, and our personal development goes by the wayside. But what happens when you are studying, where if you don't achieve, then you've lost out in so many ways? It's tough, but it is completely possible to navigate this challenging terrain and study effectively. Let's show you some of the most practical tips for studying while staying responsible.

Have a Realistic Schedule

Whether you are studying to become a financial analyst which requires a lot of deep work, or you are studying a practical course in the field, the cornerstone of successful study with kids in tow is all about the schedule. You've got to have an inherent understanding of daily routines. These would include meal times, your children's school hours, and bedtimes. What you then need to do is identify the pockets of time, no matter how small they are, to dedicate to your studies. 

The benefits of having a schedule in place give you an anchor in which to hang everything upon, but it has to be realistic. When it comes to achieving your goals, the acronym SMART is always useful because it doesn't just ensure that what you're trying to achieve is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound, but it gives you a position in which to study within your capabilities. We can put strict study schedules in place, but sometimes they can go out of the window because of unwell kids or conflicts within the household. This is why the next point is so important.

Learn How to Study Properly

If there is one thing that many people of a certain age don't have in terms of their skills, it's how they can best study to maximise information retention. Lots of us still think that we need to sit and stare at a book to absorb what is within. This is where understanding your learning style can save a lot of time, effort, and frustration. If you are someone who had to read everything in school but could not grasp the concepts, you may benefit from learning in a different way. 

There are different types of learning styles such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, which is the act of learning by touch. If you can take a quiz that helps you understand your learning style, you will be able to structure study sessions more effectively. For example, if you are learning a language, you could have a solid session that focuses on single words that you drill into your brain through constant repetition. On the other hand, you could then dedicate a session to sentence structure and another to conversations. Check out this podcast to give you a few tips on how to learn better based on your needs.

Create a Space for Studying

There's got to be a location where you can study peacefully. It's not just a signal to the family that you should not be disturbed, but is a place that over time can send a subconscious signal to your brain that it's time for work. You need to make sure this space is equipped with the necessary materials to ensure that you can concentrate effectively. A study space, no matter how small, is absolutely pivotal. 

Many people think that they are okay to study in front of the television, but what happens is that gradually over time, we become distracted. If you were able to get two minutes of solid studying per night in front of the television, this then adds up to 14 minutes per week. If you had a solid study space with the right protocols, you'd be able to achieve this in real-time. But of course, because studying requires a lot more investment in terms of time, you need to ensure that your brain is ready for study mode. So this isn't just your space but your mindset, the right stimulants like caffeine if necessary, but also the seating. How you sit will also have an impact on your ability to focus.

Break Down Tasks

It can be intimidating to try and study so much learning material for your next test, exam, or piece of coursework, and this is why smaller and focused study sessions are more achievable and less overwhelming. As a parent, this approach is far more in tune with your child's schedule. If you can make progress in bite-sized increments, whether it is while you are holding your child's hand, waiting for them to go to sleep or during the evening, you are going to make far better progress. 

It's also worth pointing out that studying at night time is far more effective than during the daytime because if you study and then go to sleep, your brain is actually processing this information far more effectively. It may take a couple of days for the information to truly set in, and this is why you need to prioritise high-quality sleep as well.

Look After Yourself

Lots of parents wait until their children are of a certain age before they start studying, and while it’s easier when your children are grown up, there will always be other stresses at play, and this is why you need to prioritise self-care to ensure you have the physical and mental energy to fulfil both roles of student and parent. 

Finding the right tools that help you can make a massive difference. If you are pressed for time, 5 minutes of breathing might be all you need to settle your mind and your anxieties. We'll put a link below to a simple breathing exercise that can relax you.

Pursuing education is tougher later in life, but that's not to say it's Impossible. By implementing some of these practical tips you can get that balance right between studying and parenting, ensuring that you can thrive and you get those rewards you deserve.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.