Dear Justice

By Justice · The Mainstream
Published March 7, 2012

Dear Justice

    I just had a new baby, and I’m working really hard to juggle school and home. Do you have any suggestions on how to keep a good balance so that I can earn the grades I need to be competitive in the employment market but not miss out on my daughter’s life?

—New parent at UCC

Dear New Parent,

Congratulations on the new baby! This is a delicate situation and there really is no standard answer that will fit every family. It really depends on your limits (physically and mentally) and your needs.  Some people have no problem taking a full load of classes, taking care of kids and doing a hundred other things at once. Other people can really find it a struggle to keep up on it all. The best advice I can give you is to know your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard and if you end up feeling overwhelmed it is ok to take a break. Take a day off and catch up on some sleep. You can nap when the baby naps. Most newborns are more than happy to sleep all day with you as long as you are cuddled up together.  If one day off just won’t cut it then you may need to weigh the pros and cons of taking a term off or taking a few less credits for a while until the baby is a little older. While this may set you back a little at the present time, in the long run it may be a better decision. If you are too tired or too distracted to pay attention in class or get your homework done, there is really no point in paying money for classes. When you come back to school the next term, you will be refreshed rejuvenated and ready to take on any challenge with a clear mind and a well body.

—Justice