6 Tips for Studying with a Toddler
If you’re in the back-to-school game this year because you’re furthering your education as an adult, you may have noticed it’s a little different than before kids. Whereas before children, you could study or do your homework in any room of the house, your books and papers spread out on a floor or table. But when studying with a toddler at home, books and papers anywhere within reach can spell disaster!
Keeping a toddler entertained while you study is a difficult task. For the past three years I’ve been in college, I’ve learned a few tricks to help me carve out some study time and keep my toddler busy.
Here are six of my tried and true tips for studying at home with a toddler:
1. Sticker Books
I have purchased a ton of re-stickable sticker books. This activity is low on the noise level. It’s a fun activity and worth the money. You can often find them for cheap.
2. Wrap Old Toys
Everything old becomes new to a toddler if it’s wrapped! This is a cheap and easy way to keep them entertained, for at least a little bit! It has a bit more mess with the paper scraps, but you can easily push it all into a pile and drop it in your recycling bin.
3. Fast Food Restaurants
Specifically those with an indoor playground and free WiFi. This trick is my absolute favorite and I feel that it is the most effective. This will keep them busy and entertained, and you can bring your laptop and get some work done. This is also my favorite choice because this wonderful active way to spend an hour will usually guarantee a nap and give me even more time to get work done.
4. Rotate Toys
If I put away a few toys she likes and pull them out when I need to hit the books, then I get more uninterrupted time. Another trick is if your kids get a ton of toys for their birthday or Christmas, hide a few and pull them out in a pinch.
5. Find Support
Seek out friends that are facing the same struggle. Together, you can rotate study times each week, leaving one parent on kid duty while the other studies, then switch. This can be a great way to get things done and make new friends.
6. Check with Your College or University
Some schools have developed programs to aid students who are also parents. There are study areas, groups, and even child care available at some institutions; you just have to find out if your school has them. Student support or even Veterans Affairs is a good place to start your search.
Going to school and having children can be difficult, but so worth it. Good luck with your education, and I wish the best for you.
How do you carve out time to get work done and keep the kiddos entertained? Share with us!
