Having my daughter during my junior year of college was an experience like no other. After taking a break during the semester she was born, I returned to classes when she was six months old, ready to tackle the challenge of balancing academics, a part-time job, my online shop, and the joys of motherhood. Little did I know just how difficult it would be until I was immersed in a whirlwind of research papers and baby food.
Navigating sleepless nights, cranky moods, and the chaos of college life with a toddler gave me plenty to think about. As I approach graduation, I’ve spent time reflecting on this wild journey. Here’s what I learned along the way:
- College students and toddlers have a lot in common; they’re both prone to whining about being hungry, bored, or in need of a nap.
- It is indeed possible to write a paper on your laptop while breastfeeding. It requires patience, a creative balancing act, and the ability to block out the constant sounds. Just be cautious when the baby decides to unlatch unexpectedly; breast milk and laptops don’t mix!
- Getting up for those dreaded 8 a.m. classes becomes a lot easier when you’re trying to escape a fussy toddler. Huge shoutout to every daycare teacher, grandparent, and caregiver who helps make this possible!
- Once your classmates discover you’re a parent, you become the go-to voice on all things parenting-related. Discussions about children will inevitably lead to your views on whether boys should play with dolls or if television is educational.
- Your bag filled with snacks and pain relievers will be a lifesaver for both friends and random strangers in the bathroom. Prepare yourself for the affectionate nickname of “Mom.”
- You might find pacifiers replacing pens in your backpack. After all, your pens are likely being used by your toddler to doodle in your math book, which is now mysteriously missing.
- Those sleepless nights caring for a newborn will help you power through late-night paper writing sessions with your toddler snoozing on your lap, as they refuse to sleep in their own bed.
- If you’ve already exhausted your patience on a toddler’s spaghetti wall art, you’ll find it hard to sympathize with college students’ excuses like “I couldn’t finish my paper because I worked on Saturday.”
- You’ll discover the most unusual places to complete assignments, like perched on the toilet lid keeping an eye on your kid crafting a soap-bubble beard.
- Swapping places with your boyfriend, who works long hours, might feel like a vacation. His job doesn’t involve homework, diaper changes, or tantrums over peas.
- Mastering time management is crucial. Use a planner to jot down every assignment, due date, and appointment—trying to remember everything in your head is a recipe for disaster.
- Many professors are surprisingly accommodating to students managing unique circumstances. Instead of asking for extensions, consider requesting assignments ahead of time. Most educators genuinely want to see you succeed. Trust me, “my toddler accidentally deleted my paper” is a valid excuse for late submissions.
- No matter how exhausting my days or sleepless my nights, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Everything I do is for my daughter.
As I wrap up this chapter of my life, it’s clear that the journey has been both challenging and rewarding. For more insights into the experiences of parenting and home insemination, check out our post on intracervicalinsemination.org. If you’re considering home insemination, I highly recommend visiting Make A Mom for reliable insemination kits. Additionally, the CDC offers great information on pregnancy and home insemination here.
In summary, balancing college life with raising a toddler has been an incredible journey filled with laughter, challenges, and invaluable life lessons.
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