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Whether you realise it or not, student-parents are more common than you think. The Institute for Women’s Policy Research conducted research in 2014 which showed 4.8 million college students were parents in 2011. That is about 26% of all college undergraduates. Most of these student-parents find it difficult to balance between being a parent and a student. However, there are a few ways to help them manage this simultaneously.

Involve family, friends and your university

Let your family and friends know that you are taking classes and will therefore need help with your child while in school or at home doing homework. Tell your faculty advisor as well to so you can get all the help and support you need.

Select a school with support programs

Schools with support centres for student-parents are a go-for as these centres help find housing, counselling services, child care providers as well as reduce course loads for student-parents. However, availability of such programmes in schools varies widely by state or country.

Get a reliable child care service

This will help you have peace of mind and allow you to focus on studies when one knows that their child is well taken care of while they are in school. Some universities offer on campus day-care which may be subsidised to assist. More information on this can be found from your student services office in school.

Most important of all is for one to realise that they are not alone and should not hesitate to ask for help and advice whenever they need it. Being a parent is a beautiful thing and should not be a hindrance to acquiring education for a better future of both the parent and child.