Being a student parent can be challenging, especially when trying to balance studies with childcare responsibilities. Here are some tips to help you find childcare while pursuing your education: Finding the right childcare as a student parent requires research and planning, but with these tips, you can navigate the process more effectively. Remember, seeking help … [Read more...] about How to Find Childcare as a Student Parent
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The Best Colleges for Student-Parents
If you’re a pregnant or parenting student, a support system can make it much easier for you to finish your education. This can include special housing, childcare, financial help, mentoring, and more. This article will highlight a few colleges that offer exceptional resources for student-parents. These are just a few of the colleges with strong support systems for parenting … [Read more...] about The Best Colleges for Student-Parents
How to Apply for a College Scholarship
Coming up with the tuition money for your college degree can seem like an impossible task, especially for parents and working adults. Fortunately, there are lots of resources available to help make that college bill more affordable! Here are some important steps you can take to find and secure scholarships. Step 1: When to begin? It is a good idea to begin your search … [Read more...] about How to Apply for a College Scholarship
Keeping Your Child Home When Sick
It can be one of the most stressful things about parenting. You get up in the morning, expecting the day to go like normal, but your kid is warm to the touch or in the bathroom sick. How do you know when to keep your child home from school or daycare? How do you deal with your employer or looking for someone to watch them? When to keep your child home Every school and day … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Child Home When Sick
How to Choose a Babysitter
As much as you may want to, you likely will not be able to spend every waking moment with your child. This may mean hiring a babysitter to fill in from time to time. But how to choose the perfect one? Here are some tips to find a good babysitter: Ask around. Your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or pediatrician may have recommendations or know someone looking for work.Check … [Read more...] about How to Choose a Babysitter
Catch Up Kids in Class: The Benefits of Reading with Children
It helps with language and literacy skills. Reading with your children is proven to drastically improve speech, vocabulary, writing, story comprehension, and reading skills. This is a great way to supplement your child’s schooling at-home, especially after COVID-19 delayed many students’ learning progression timelines. It encourages a natural love of learning. Allowing … [Read more...] about Catch Up Kids in Class: The Benefits of Reading with Children
Catch Up Kids in Class: 10 Tips
No matter why your child has been out of school — whether because of an injury, illness, or school shutdown — or maybe she or he is just behind in a certain subject, parents are asking, “What can I do about my child being behind?” First and foremost, remember that almost all of the children are behind. You are not a failure and your child isn’t the only student in this … [Read more...] about Catch Up Kids in Class: 10 Tips
Catch Up Kids in Class: Math Basics
Many students have found themselves falling behind or losing skills due to illness, lockdowns, and other unforeseen reasons. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get your child’s skills back on track! Here are a few simple ideas for restoring the mathematics literacy of your children at home. 1. Check out Khan Academy. Khan Academy is an incredible free resource used … [Read more...] about Catch Up Kids in Class: Math Basics
Self-Care for Pregnancy During College
Managing physical and mental health is crucial for anyone during college. But now with a baby on the way, it’s even more important to not only take care of your baby but also take care of the person carrying her or him: YOU! Here are some reminders of how to properly navigate self-care: Eat Well. It is incredibly important you give your body enough fuel to get through the … [Read more...] about Self-Care for Pregnancy During College
Finding Resources and Support As a Pregnant or Parenting Student
Juggling pregnancy and parenting while still in school is definitely a challenge, but with support and resources, it is possible! It can be daunting to know what resources are available to you, or even where to begin looking. Hopefully the following tips can give you some inspiration as to where you can go to fulfill your needs and thrive as a pregnant and/or parenting … [Read more...] about Finding Resources and Support As a Pregnant or Parenting Student
6 Tips for Patient Parenting
Patience is hard. We know in our heads that it's the right thing, but it’s hard to incorporate the attribute in our daily actions, especially with our children. With our patience getting tested every day, how can we make sure that it “never runs out?” How do we create a habit of choosing patience instead of a short temper? Here are 6 tips that can help lead you into becoming a … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for Patient Parenting
How Redshirting Can Help Pregnant Athletes
What is redshirting? Redshirting is the practice of holding a student's place on a college sports team so that she will be able to return to the team after a set period of time. This practice, normally used for medical leave, allows the student athlete to keep her spot on the team, along with any sports-related scholarships, until it is feasible for her to … [Read more...] about How Redshirting Can Help Pregnant Athletes
Talking to Your College Counselors About Being Pregnant
If you’re pregnant on campus, you are probably feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, but know that you are not alone. Your college or university must follow Title IX guidelines: The school cannot discriminate on the basis of sex, which includes pregnancy and parenting. There is guidance for faculty and staff about how they have to ensure the rights of pregnant and … [Read more...] about Talking to Your College Counselors About Being Pregnant
Self-Care When You’re Away at School
Going away to school presents a fun, fresh start to your young adult life. Whether you are living on a traditional college or university campus or at a boarding school, this may be the first time you’ve lived away from home. It can be exciting to leave one chapter of your youth behind in exchange for another one. But while you’re building the skills necessary for a future … [Read more...] about Self-Care When You’re Away at School
Postpartum Options: Breastfeeding, Formula, and Weaning
How and what you want to feed your baby is a personal decision. You, as a mother, deserve to know all the facts of the various options without feeling ashamed or guilty about your decision. Nutritional possibilities for your baby’s first few months include breastfeeding (temporarily or long term) and formula feeding. Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is often considered … [Read more...] about Postpartum Options: Breastfeeding, Formula, and Weaning
What You Need to Know About Hospice
Cicely Saunders, the founder of the first hospice facility, St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, said to her patients, “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” Is your loved one a candidate for hospice? Just because the hospital recommended hospice for … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Hospice
How to Start a Babysitting Co-Op
Raising children and supporting parents is a community job. A babysitting co-op is a group of parents who babysit for each other. It helps the children to socialize, and it gives the parents the peace of mind of knowing the person who is watching their child. It helps to build the community that is so important in raising a child. 1. Start small. Ask around in your group of … [Read more...] about How to Start a Babysitting Co-Op
Where Can You Find Emergency Babysitting?
Many parents are being placed in the difficult position of trying to find someone to watch their child so they can go to work. If you are in this position, there are resources for you. First, the best thing for you and your child would be for you to calm down and list out all of the people you know. The simplest solution may be right under your nose with an unemployed … [Read more...] about Where Can You Find Emergency Babysitting?
That Textbook Costs WHAT? How to Find Textbooks for Less
The first day of school is quickly approaching and it’s time to pull out the class syllabus, when suddenly you see it: a mile-long list of books you have to buy, books with specified editions, books written by the professor, books that you know are going to be very expensive. One look at the price in the school bookstore and your wallet hops out of your pocket and starts … [Read more...] about That Textbook Costs WHAT? How to Find Textbooks for Less
Continuing Education: What Are Your Choices?
Whether you’re keeping your skills up to date or just getting started, pursuing education beyond your high school diploma or GED is a great way to acquire new skills and to get an edge on the competition. When it comes to choosing a degree program, you have many options that can help you get where you want to be faster. Four-Year Colleges/Universities Two-Year … [Read more...] about Continuing Education: What Are Your Choices?
4 Health Insurance Options for Student-Parents
Young people are by far the least insured population in the US. Here are just a few tips for college students and specifically for pregnant and parenting students trying to navigate the wild world of health insurance. Options for College Students: Staying on your parents’ plan: Until you are 26 years old, you are eligible to stay on your parents’ plan. If you are going … [Read more...] about 4 Health Insurance Options for Student-Parents
What Is a Trade Certificate?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers requiring trade or vocational training are projected to have the most growth between now and 2026. Thus, the next step to achieving your career goals might be a trade certificate. What is a trade certificate? A trade certificate is a career-specific certificate earned in no more than two years. Students take … [Read more...] about What Is a Trade Certificate?
5 Tools to Find Job Training Opportunities
Starting a job search can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have experience in the field you are applying for. Thankfully, the United States Labor Department funds some very helpful tools for people looking to acquire skills through Training and Employment programs. And these resources are just the first step! By investing time in acquiring the skills employers … [Read more...] about 5 Tools to Find Job Training Opportunities
Reimagine Your Associate Degree: A Step Toward a Bachelor’s Degree
Taking classes at community college in preparation for a transition into university is an increasingly popular option for students who hope to earn a bachelor’s degree. A study by the U.S. Department of Education found that completing an associate degree before transferring — as opposed to transferring credits after one year — did not positively or negatively affect the … [Read more...] about Reimagine Your Associate Degree: A Step Toward a Bachelor’s Degree
Maternal Mortality Q&A
Women considering pregnancy or who are already pregnant are likely concerned about recent news reports that the U.S. is experiencing a drastic increase in maternal mortality. So I asked OB-GYN and Women Deserve Better Contributor Dr. Ingrid Skop for insights as an expert on high-risk pregnancies: Q. How risky is it for women to die during pregnancy or after giving birth? … [Read more...] about Maternal Mortality Q&A
Class Selection: 5 Tips for Finding Balance
Building a course schedule is often stressful for students, so when it comes to choosing courses as a pregnant or parenting student, course selection can feel like a daunting task. It’s wise to choose classes carefully because the workload and schedule of assignments, exams, and lectures would ideally mesh with other duties, work, child care, health care, and self-care. Finding … [Read more...] about Class Selection: 5 Tips for Finding Balance
WANTED: Women in STEM
U.S. News & World Report has a shorter, less overwhelming list of scholarships for women and minorities. The six women’s STEM scholarships they chose to list included the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, HP Helion OpenStack Scholarship, Palantir Scholarship for Women in Engineering, Society of Women Engineers, Women in Technology Scholarship program, and Association … [Read more...] about WANTED: Women in STEM
Finding the Right School for You and Your Family
When someone recommended a school to me that was billed as “catering to working adults,” I thought, “Why not?” So I requested information and began a journey of discovery about schools and how it all meshed with single parenting. Simultaneously, I was in transition and needed to find a school for my rising kindergartner. How it all came together is still a mystery, but with … [Read more...] about Finding the Right School for You and Your Family
What You Need to Know About Getting Your GED
For adults who did not complete high school, attaining a GED is a good first step to reaching one’s career and education goals. The General Education Development, or Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED), is a test that evaluates whether or not one has a high school-level education. High school diplomas do not have any more weight than a GED. According to GED.com, 97 percent of … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Getting Your GED
What to Do If Your Child Is Bullied
Bullying has become a huge problem in schools, and every day we see its terrible consequences all over the news. Children are often reluctant to talk about it. Here are some warning signs to look for: If you suspect your child is being bullied, talk to her first. Let her know you are proud of her and you love her regardless of what happened. Give her space to express … [Read more...] about What to Do If Your Child Is Bullied
10 Things Disabled Students Need to Know
It’s tough to not fit into the mold. In college, there is tremendous pressure to be the typical young adult: going out drinking, staying up late, having a vibrant social life full of activities and fun. But disability changes that. As someone living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a painful collagen disorder that results in arthritis-like symptoms throughout my whole body, I have … [Read more...] about 10 Things Disabled Students Need to Know
Khan Academy Can Help Mom and Dad As Well As Kids (for Free!)
The Khan Academy is a free online lecture series that explains a variety of subjects through YouTube videos of drawings on an electronic blackboard as the instructor narrates the lesson. The video series includes extensive lessons on mathematics and science, as well as history, economics, and preparation for standardized tests and entering the workforce. These videos cover … [Read more...] about Khan Academy Can Help Mom and Dad As Well As Kids (for Free!)
7 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in Community College
No matter what your circumstances may be, supporting yourself and your baby is a major consideration in any plans you make. If you do not already have a job with good earning potential, preparing for one may become a priority. If time seems to be your enemy in advancing your job plans, you could consider some goals that allow for relatively quick attainment. Not all good career … [Read more...] about 7 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in Community College
Taking Care of Yourself While Pregnant in College
While pregnant, you have a higher need for vitamins and minerals, so eating nutritious food is more important than ever. Choose foods high in nutrients, avoid added sugars and saturated fats, and consider taking prenatal vitamins and supplements. For prenatal care options, talk to your general practitioner or visit a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) for more … [Read more...] about Taking Care of Yourself While Pregnant in College
How to Find Child Care in Your Community
Finding child care can be one of the most challenging tasks all parents take on. It’s not always easy to know where to find the highest quality care in your area. Even beginning the process can be a daunting task. There are, however, resources to help! Child Care Resource and Referral, known as CCR&R, are agencies that keep a database listing of child care centers, … [Read more...] about How to Find Child Care in Your Community
13 Study Tips for Parents
Studying always takes time. Whether someone is trying to pass a high school equivalency exam or attempting to finish a thesis, the key element is time. The trick is finding it when you have a child, or multiple children, and you are probably working while going to school. Here are a few tips from a woman who completed two degrees while rearing four children and who also has … [Read more...] about 13 Study Tips for Parents
Online School As an Option
Going to school as a parent or while pregnant can seem daunting at first, but there are many options available to make school affordable, convenient, and flexible in both time and location. School may also seem pointless or overwhelming, but the long-term benefits will reward you for your work. Online school is an option with endless opportunities, not only for college … [Read more...] about Online School As an Option
Is Transferring Schools Better for You?
College is part of life for most Americans, including mothers. Unfortunately, it can sometimes seem as if higher education just isn’t a place for mothers to be. But is that really true? Actually, no. There are a lot of options out there for mothers who want to attend school. In addition to traditional classes, you could attend night classes, or go to an online school. But … [Read more...] about Is Transferring Schools Better for You?
Financing Your Education
Though college can be expensive, there are many resources available to you. With grants, scholarships, and loans all available and with different eligibility requirements, the options can seem very overwhelming. Here is a quick look at ways you can make your education more affordable. Where to find help: If you are not aware of the resources your school has to offer … [Read more...] about Financing Your Education
Where to Find Help with Student Loans
What do you do when the time comes to start repaying your student loans? What do you do when you are having difficulty paying student loans? Are there any programs to help you pay your loans, defer your payments, or get forgiveness from these payments? These are big questions, and as you know, there are many students and former students struggling to pay student loans. There … [Read more...] about Where to Find Help with Student Loans
How to Find Child Care As a Student
An important part of finishing your education is having the child care you need in order to attend class, study, or work. This may take the form of a generous family member, spouse, or partner, or it may mean day care or a babysitter—or it could be a combination! Finding child care that is both safe and affordable will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on what you … [Read more...] about How to Find Child Care As a Student
Student Housing for Pregnant Women and Families
Finding housing as a student mother can be difficult and stressful. The more you know, the easier it will be to find a place to live with your child(ren). Here are some tips for finding safe and affordable housing as a student parent. First things first: Title IX protects your right to keep your current housing through your pregnancy. Talk with your campus’ Title IX … [Read more...] about Student Housing for Pregnant Women and Families
Your Rights As a Pregnant Student & Mother
While there are many things about being pregnant and about becoming a mother that may not be very clear, the law is very clear on your rights. As a pregnant student and as a mother, you are protected by the law. Title IX is a law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity in every educational program that receives federal funding. You may have heard about it in relation to … [Read more...] about Your Rights As a Pregnant Student & Mother
Building a Support System at School
Parents carry a lot of stress. Students carry a lot of stress. It makes sense that you, as a student-parent, would also carry a lot of stress. Whether you are pregnant unexpectedly or intentionally, married or single, an undergrad or grad student, close to home or far away, building a support system to help you through your pregnancy and as a student-parent will be beneficial … [Read more...] about Building a Support System at School
How to Talk to Professors about Your Pregnancy
Although there is no law requiring you to disclose your pregnancy to your professors, you will need to do so in order to make use of the protections established by Title IX. Make sure you know what your rights are, so that you can both prevent and recognize academic discrimination stemming from your pregnancy. Remember that your professors may not have experience with having … [Read more...] about How to Talk to Professors about Your Pregnancy
6 Options to Consider When Preparing for Childbirth
There are many different options for bringing your child into this world. Obstetricians have completed four years of medical school, and then have trained an additional four years specifically to deliver babies and provide women’s care. Family practice physicians have also completed medical or osteopathic school, but their training in delivering babies may be more … [Read more...] about 6 Options to Consider When Preparing for Childbirth
What Is Prenatal Care?
Before the baby comes—and if possible, before you become pregnant—talk to your doctor about your health status, and get information on how to stay healthy during your pregnancy. Your health care provider may suggest vaccines: Some of the common vaccines for pregnant women are pertussis (whooping cough) and the flu shot. You may also need to get a vaccine for … [Read more...] about What Is Prenatal Care?
8 Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician
Whether you are a new or experienced parent, having a pediatrician that you know and trust is incredibly valuable as you welcome a new baby to your family. When making this important decision, it’s important to think about both the doctor(s) in the practice as well as the nurses and the office staff. Often, you will find that the other people at your pediatrician's office are … [Read more...] about 8 Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician