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Juggling parenting and study

3 min read
Balancing study, parenting and everything else life throws at you isn't easy. Our Student Counsellors have put together these practical strategies based on their own experiences as parents and years supporting hundreds of students. Read the tips or watch the webinar in your own time.

Aim for Progress, Not Perfection 

There's no such thing as the perfect parent or the perfect student. 

Many student parents put huge pressure on themselves to keep up with study, family responsibilities, work and household tasks. When there are only so many hours in the day, it's easy to feel like you are falling behind. 

Instead of aiming to do everything perfectly, focus on what's achievable today. Writing a few hundred words, reading one chapter or spending 20 minutes on an assignment is still progress. 

Protect Your Energy 

Time isn't only thing student parents are managing. Energy is a limited resource too. 

Before taking on another commitment, pause and ask yourself whether you genuinely have the capacity. Sometimes saying no to one thing allows you to say yes to the things that matter most. 

Creating boundaries around your time and energy can help reduce overwhelm and make study feel more manageable. 

Make the Invisible Visible 

One of the biggest challenges for parents is the mental load. All the planning, organising, remembering and decision-making that happens behind the scenes every day. Things like:

  • Managing appointments and school activities 
  • Organising childcare 
  • Planning meals and shopping 
  • Keeping track of household responsibilities 
  • Coordinating family schedules 

When everything's stored in your head, it can be exhausting. Writing down everything you are carrying can help identify tasks that could be delegated, postponed or simply let go.

Prioritise Sleep Where Possible 

Good sleep plays an important role in concentration, learning, mood and overall wellbeing. 

But perfect sleep isn't realistic for many parents, especially those with young children.  Remember that small improvements can make a big difference. Creating consistent routines, limiting distractions before bed and taking opportunities to rest when possible can help support both your wellbeing and your study performance. 

Remember That Support Is Available 

Balancing parenting and study is genuinely challenging. Not because you're doing anything wrong but because you're managing multiple important roles.

Sometimes what helps most is knowing you're not alone. Other times, it might be having a conversation with someone who understands, doing something differently or accessing extra support. 

Support can come from family, friends, childcare providers, employers, classmates or university services. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Plus, remember you can access short-term counselling through our Counselling service.

Watch the Full Webinar 

Watch the full webinar in your own time for more practical advice on navigating the challenges of family life while