As a wife, mother, employee, and student at The Art Institute Online, life can be very difficult. I have found many ways in the past year, to make my life a little simpler. I am a mother of three beautiful little girls. My oldest is seven (she’s my cuddlebug), my middle girl is four (she’s my desibug), and my youngest is one (my monkey). My husband is a wonderful man who contributes by doing laundry, dishes, and staying home so I can work late. I couldn’t ask for anything better.
I work full time at a local newspaper. There, I am the composition manager and carry many responsibilities. It calls for long hours and some working at home. I am also a part time student at AIO. I carry a 4.0 and work very hard to keep it that way. I also do some freelance on the side.
Many times in person and in class, I have been asked how I do it all. My girls are happy and healthy; I have a job I am great at, and a wonderful marriage. The answer is simple; buy a date book. I schedule everything and write everything down. I have to or I will loose track of everything. I have four simple rules that maintain balance in my life and my family’s:
- No work until the kids go to bed at 8PM.
- No school until the kids go to bed at 8PM.
- Spend one full day with your spouse every week. (Date Night)
- No missing school events or sport events with the kids.
Those are my very simple guidelines. Without them my life would be a mess and everyone in it would be miserable. It is all based on my priorities. My family always comes first. My education comes second. My work comes last.
I am going constantly and I have times when I just can’t go anymore. Then I put myself first. I take a day off and go for a drive, sleep in, or go out with friends. Even if it is just for an hour, we all need time for ourselves. It just isn’t healthy not to. I focus on my family and work during the week and work on schoolwork and work all weekend. I have become the time management queen! Life sounds hectic but I am still one of the calmest and laid back people you may ever meet. I have yet to find much that will upset me or stress me out because I know things always find a way to work out. I have always felt there is a solution to everything and won’t quit until I find one.
Another important key is to stay healthy. I work out and eat right. I admit, I am a smoker but for some reason my body balances itself out (for now anyway). Staying healthy helps maintain a healthy mental state. I also try to think positive at all times. I like to keep everyone around me enthusiastic and happy. I love people and am very happy surrounded by my family, friends, and co-workers. All of these simple things get me through each and every day. Sometimes it is hard but I just stay strong and keep my priorities straight.
Crystal Couch a 22 year old Graphic Design student who is also a mother of three beautiful girls. She works as an ad designer for a local newspaper and does a little freelance work in her spare time.Visit Cris's Website
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hello,
i would like to know in details how a married student mother could cope with his school and that of the home.want to know the problems they face.
I now know that I can finish my goals with one child
This seems so hard Crys, i am your age getting married in December, going to school in january & have a 7year son. My fiancee is so supportive but am just usecured with it. i JUST FEEL HE MIGHT GET TIRED OF nursing the situation.
It seems so easy as I have read your article:however, my situation is a little different. I am married with 4 children, I work full time, and go to school. My husband does not help out at all. I get over whelmed every time I began to start a schedule, everything must get done. Childrens’ homework, mines. House cleaning, cooking, laundry. I feel like at times I will have a break down. I have neglected my self completly, and have become overweight. I wipe the tears from my face and keep moving. Any suggestions?