Being a young mother and a student is quite a challenge these days. There is a lot to consider before getting into college while raising a small child. You should be ready for all the difficulties you may need to overcome to be both a mother and a student. Fortunately, there are also lots of benefits to having your child early. Here are the pros and cons of being a young mother and a full-time student that you should know about before making your final school choice.
Pros: Many schools have childcare
Fortunately, schools are rather accustomed to having students with children these days. After all, being a parent at a young age is nothing new. So, many colleges and universities will have childcare, family housing options, and other advantages for young parents. Some schools may even have free or low-cost childcare to make young moms’ lives easier.
By the way, you won’t be the only mom on campus at a school with good childcare. There will be plenty of students with small children, too. So, you will have a great opportunity to bond, meet other moms, and maybe even form some type of babysitting arrangements for each other.
Cons: Your time is very limited
Sure enough, having a child at home will significantly affect your availability. Thus, each plan you make will depend on whether your childcare or babysitter can look after your child during that time. It also means you won’t have as much time for regular student activities, like campus social gatherings, extracurricular activities, etc.
It doesn’t mean you’ll have to say no to social life altogether. Yet, you should also expect not to have much in common with most students there. As a mother, your priorities and interests will differentiate you from the rest. So, some common student activities may look like nothing fun to you at all. You would most likely rather have a good night’s sleep or spend more time with your child than choose anything else.
Pros: You can seek financial aid
On the bright side, young mothers can expect some help from the government or school. Thus, you can research your options, given the state and college you got into. See what social benefits you are qualified for and send those applications. Being a young mother is challenging as it is. However, life gets even harder if you have no safety net or support from your family or child’s father. That’s why state authorities try to improve your financial security.
In addition, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Contact other fellow moms for some hand-me-down clothing or toys. Ask your school authorities what programs or aid they can offer. Don’t be shy to seek academic help when you fall behind. After all, you have bigger priorities in life, so your teachers should understand. Also, run some of your assignments by speedypaper.com writer when you need more rest. Professional academic services can take care of your grades for once, giving you a peaceful night’s sleep as a bonus.
Cons: Your budget may be tight for a while
Being a student is already not the most secure financial position in the world. However, being a young mother and a student makes it even harder to make ends meet. But, of course, it’s just a phase, and you will get back on your feet. That’s why you are getting that higher education, right? Still, these college years may not exactly be a walk in the park regarding your finances.
A single mom will also have a low chance of getting a part-time job, too. A child will occupy most of her free time outside school. Though, in all honesty, you’ll sometimes have to redirect some of the school time on the child as well. Sure, being financially strained is no fun. Yet, you can apply for financial aid, ask your family for help, or find alternative (cheap) ways to meet your and your baby’s needs. The latter includes taking turns babysitting with other moms, signing for hand-me-downs, reducing some extra expenses, etc.
Pros: You have a new strong motivation to learn
Nothing will motivate you to learn more than the need to care for another human being. Now, you truly have a realistic perspective on education and what it can give you in the long run. You want to provide the very best for your child, and a degree will bring you one step closer to that dream. So you won’t struggle with procrastination, lack of inspiration, or falling behind. Instead, a mother will see her motivation to study and grow whenever looking at her child.
Your goals and life priorities may change
Being a parent will transform your life, whether you are ready for it or not. So, it’s up to you to decide if such transformations are for the best. You will have new priorities and goals in life that you wouldn’t have developed otherwise. Your former goals and ambitions will be moved aside to make way for the given changes. Sure, it doesn’t mean you can’t return to the old aspirations somewhere later in life. Yet, your college years will be a turning point for many reasons, including finding your new goals and path in life.