10 Self-Care Tips for Student Parents Juggling School and Parenthood

By Mbali Khuzwayo

The new school year has just kicked off and as a parenting student, you might find yourself balancing a wide range of responsibilities. From managing school to caring for your children who might be starting school too — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed especially with the pace and urgency of everything.

At Generation Hope, we understand the unique challenges you face and that is why we are here to remind you to practice self-care during this time to help you maintain good mental health. With August marking the back-to-school season and September with Student Parent Month, there’s no better time to make your well-being a top priority!

That being said, we have put together a collection of 10 self-care tips specifically tailored for student parents to help you navigate the busy days ahead while maintaining your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

1 | Create a self-care routine to help you recharge

In the midst of your busy schedule, it is important to carve out time just for you – even if it is 10-15 minutes each day for activities that recharge your energy. This can look like watching your favorite sitcom, taking a nap or jamming out to your favorite songs! If you love discovering new feel-good music, we also got you covered on that! Our Summer intern, Karis Devaney, curated a Spotify playlist for whenever you need to zone out and recenter yourself.

2 | Set realistic and achievable goals 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by trying to tackle everything at once because there is so much that needs to get done but setting realistic, achievable goals is key when it comes to maintaining balance and overall peace of mind. Break down larger tasks into super small, manageable steps — write a list of those steps and set reasonable deadlines or timers for them.

3 | Delegate tasks to those around you

Speaking of tasks, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. We understand that sometimes it can be challenging to ask for help when you feel like everything is your responsibility but communicating your needs and your capacity to those around you, including your children, can be significantly beneficial to your mental health. In relation to this, set boundaries and avoid overcommitting yourself because this can help reduce stress and give you more time for what truly matters.

4 | Seek support from everyone around you

Again, always remember that you don’t have to do it all alone. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional and practical support. Sharing your challenges with others can lighten your load and provide you with fresh perspectives. One of the perks of social media is that it has made it so much easier to access support and feel a sense of belonging. On Instagram, you can find your community through hashtags like #StudentMom #StudentDad #StudentParent #CollegeWithKids and remember to include some of these when you are sharing your content too because that is how others will discover you.

5 | Make sleep a top priority

Quality sleep is the foundation of good health and productivity but it can be tricky to successfully have a good night's rest when you have been up late working on coursework and/or trying to get your children to bed. According to CNET, adults who rate their mental health as excellent or very good are six times more likely to get good sleep than those who rate their mental health as fair or poor. Aim for 7-8 hours of rest each night and start reducing screen exposure, especially before bedtime.

6 | Practice positive self-talk

How we think and talk about ourselves plays a significant role in how we navigate challenges and how things play out in our day-to-day lives. Having negative thoughts is human, it’s normal but it is important to only acknowledge them and not let them get in the way of your progress in all of your different journeys, your peace or you belief in your potential. Instead, let them be the stepping stones that guide you toward growth. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations and self-encouragement. Remind yourself of your strengths, accomplishments and what keeps you going!

7 | Immerse yourself in nature

Spending time outdoors can be super rejuvenating — it is also the best place to practice Grounding. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a visit to a local garden or simply sitting outside while your child plays, connecting with nature can help clear your mind and lift your spirits. If you live in the city, taking a walk outside to clear your mind can overstimulate you instead. So, pull up your Google Maps app and search ‘trail’, you will get a plethora of near and far walking paths that you can explore to recharge and reconnect!

8 | Volunteer for something you care about

Giving back to your community can be a rewarding way to connect with others and find purpose beyond your daily routine. In as much as volunteering is known to serve others, it is also reversely a way of serving ourselves because, after a long day of helping, we also receive a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. At Generation Hope, we have a range of Volunteering opportunities, check them out, you might find something that aligns with your goals.

9 | Set boundaries for work/study

When you are juggling parenting, school and/or work, you could find yourself trying to do it all at once which may cause your focus to be scattered and your productivity stunted. To help combat this, establish clear boundaries between your work or study time and your personal life. Set defined hours for schoolwork to ensure you have time for rest, family and self-care. This balance will help you maintain and increase your energy and focus over the long term.

10 | Stay informed about resources relevant to you

Sometimes, we are not aware that the help we need to succeed is easily accessible. Local resources and services can make a big difference in managing your time and responsibilities. Stay informed about the support available to you as a student parent — whether it’s financial aid, childcare services or community programs. You are not alone, we are here to support you too — take a look at some of the Resources we provide and see how they can help you thrive both academically and personally.

BONUS TIP: Celebrate every little achievement

Don’t forget to celebrate your successes. Whether it’s finishing an assignment, acing an exam, or simply making it through a tough day, acknowledge it all and reward yourself for your hard work.

Also, remember that in as much as it may feel like it, self-care is not selfish — it’s essential. By taking care of yourself, you’re not only improving your own well-being but also setting a positive example for your children. You’ve got this!