How to manage my time..?

Question

So, school started today for me. And already I have homework. It won't take me long tonight, but I am positive I will have a lot later on through the year.

My daughter is almost 14 months and is very mobile now. Last year I didn't do well with homework and watching her. I rarely did my homework last year and would rush to do it in the morning at school. I want to change that this year. So, I know it will mean doing it at home.

Anyways. Her dad isn't going to be here as often as he always was, so he can't really watch her as I am doing my homework. My parents, well, they already told me before school started that they wouldn't help me because she is my responsibility and I need to learn to do things on my own, which I am totally fine with! My only problem is, she needs attention all the time and with that I don't know how to make time to do my homework. She goes to bed at 9 and I do not want to be doing my homework that late.

So, anyone have any tips on helping me?

Sorry if it's a little confusing.. I was just writing, well typing, all my thoughts about this down.

Answer 1

I went through the same thing.  And one take study hall at school, it will help a lot.  I got a lot of homework done then.  And I know that you don't want to get do your homework that late, but really that is what I found was best.  I just wanted to spend all my free time with my girls, and so doing my homework after they went to bed was the best.  

Answer 2

as much as possible do your homework in school during study breaks. at home make your daughter take a nap as soon as you get home (then do your homework). with her nap, you can make her bedtime at 10PM which leaves enough bonding/playing time with her.

Answer 3

I didn't read your other answers, so I'm sorry if I repeat anything.  

Something that I've found works well for us is for me to just let Alex have tons of independent play time.  My "homework time" is his independent play time for him where he basically gets to go do whatever it is that he wants to do.  I will pull out a couple of thins that I think are interesting for him, but I just leave him alone and let him play.  I am always aware of where he is and that he isn't getting into trouble and will take a break every 15 minutes or so to spend a few minutes playing with him.  This keeps me involved with him so that he isn't standing at my legs whining for attention and is also a really good study technique.  The idea is that you do some intensive learning for 15 minutes, then you take a break to give your mind a chance to absorb it all and process it all.  It works pretty well.  

Depending on how you study and how you learn, you can even have some music playing and take "dance breaks" to dance with Ava.  Try to incorporate your homework into her routine and don't stress.  

You may want to work with your parents to watch her for 30 minutes each night or for an hour or two one night a week to give you a chance to catch up on everything.  Yes, you should learn to do things on your own, but some times you just *need* help from some one in order to do your best.  I'm married and was only in class for 12 hours a week last winter but still needed help from someone else so that I could manage to get all of my home work done.  You do what you can and ask for help the rest of the way.  If your parents won't help see if you can find a friend who can come hang out with you and help you wrangle Ava.  

If she still takes an afternoon nap, those are precious times to get some work done too.  If you have to, though, involve her in your studying.  Read out loud to her a bit, talk through your homework with her, make it into a silly game, and relax.  

If it makes you feel any better, most home work that teachers give you is just busy work.  It sucks, but most of it isn't crucial to your learning.  It's just so that they can say they gave home work and so that they have an excuse to say you aren't working hard enough.  You have to do your homework so that you can get the grades you need, but don't put more work into than you need.  Get it done and get it done well, but remember that you're going to learn better by working in class and by taking what you're learning in class and figuring out how to apply it to other areas of your life.  (I'm a teacher... almost... I know that homework sucks... lol).

You're going to do great!  You are such a strong, determined person that you can do anything you put your mind to!

Answer 4

Well first of all, well done for continuing school while you have your baby.  

At 14 months, your daughter does not need constant entertainment.  Put her in a playpen in the same room as you are in and do your work there.  She has to learn to amuse herself!

Secondly, I think 9pm is too late a bedtime for her.  Get her to go down at 7pm and up at 7am, which babies of that age can do.  That way, as soon as she is in bed for the night you will have at least three hours where you can eat, relax and study.

Good luck - it's tough but you will do it!

Answer 5

I've not been in your situation but my first advice would be to get her to bed much earlier if that is possible.  7pm or 7.30pm would be more suitable for your toddler.  If you were able to have had your meal together earlier too, after her bedtime the rest of the evening would be yours.

Good luck.

Answer 6

as hard as it sounds, you could try a early bedtime so you can do homework after she goes to sleep, I have my son in bed by 830 but some nights when I know I have lots to do I strive for him to be in bed for 7:30 -8, and that would get me a good 2 to 3 hours of me time before hitting the sack for my beauty sleep.  

Answer 7

I know it may be hard to do, but a babies schedule can be changed. Just try and make it happen. Goodluck.

Answer 8

well, usually i just have my baby take a  nap but at 14 months idk when they sleep. lol but maybe you could have her color with you... idk or have a friend over when you do your homework and she play with her?

Answer 9

can u play with her in the evening to tire her out so she can be in bed by 7?  that might help

Answer 10

Does your daughter like to color or play with blocks?  You can try sitting her down next to you with a coloring book, blocks, or dolls while you study.  It might not last long, but it will at least give you some time to do some of your homework.

Answer 11

My little brother used to eat the crayons too. And if you gave him a pen or pencil he'd draw on himself/the walls.

I think the best thing for you to do is put her to bed earlier. 9 is a bit late for a 14 month old baby. Getting her in to bed earlier will be easier for you as you'll have more time on your own.

Something that we all need from time to time.

Good luckk : )