Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed, that there aren’t enough hours in the day? Denver mom Cheryl recently posed this question:
How did you do it? Work + school + exercise + parenting + housestuff + writing + practicing + church callings = I have no idea how I’m going to do this (even with my husband doing half the parenting and half the housework!) 
So how did you do it? Moms that went back to school — when did you study? Writers who worked other jobs while finishing books — when did you write? Musicians with large families and other jobs — when/how did you practice?
Your answers:
Prioritize and be willing to let things go. You don’t need to be an A student. You may feel like you are neglecting your kids at times. They will be fine. They will learn amazing things watching you go to school. It’s okay to say no, especially to church-related callings and assignments. Trust your husband and kids, even if they don’t do things the way you would do them or want them to be done. Dang, I could write a book on this. Lessons from a mom of six in law school, ages 13 to 2 my first year. -Becky
Do what you can when you can – and it’s okay to say No to things as they come up. Dialing back on things is also okay. Give yourself space from the outside world and focus on the priorities you have made for yourself. Then ignore everyone else’s advice. -Brenda
I thought play groups were so helpful- any time I could have kids come over and hang out with my kids (and still this is the case to some extent), I could get “high focus” work done without feeling “guilty” for my kids being bored. When I’ve done my grading, I have often been sitting by one of my kids who may need help with homework (or just moral support.). I graded while they do homework, and I just push pause on my work when they need some help.
As for writing, I started trying to figure out which parts needed to be “high focus” and “lower focus.” Writing a new piece/ coming up with the beginning material = high focus. I used to do this in the middle of the night, but I can’t do that anymore- my body won’t let me, lol! Now, I have to carve out some during the day time when kids are at school and I can have a quiet moment. Or, I have to leave the house for this (go to my office at school or something like that.). Practicing music for TSO doesn’t take quite such high focus/ I can be interrupted and be able to pick up where I left off. I can practice downstairs while a kid is doing homework or their own practice, and pause to help them or put the dinner on simmer or whatever, and multitask while still feeling like it was an effective practice. -Alyssa
Also, I tried to schedule work, school, etc so I had one block of time that was left open for me to catch up- every Monday morning for example- that was when I scheduled appointments or paid bills, worked on callings, etc. -Candace
I studied after 9 pm. I did a lot of yoga in those years. We did hire someone to clean twice a month because there was no time for that – I realize that’s a privilege. The workload varied from semester to semester so some months were harder than others. I had to manage my time so well, that I got more done than I usually do and I took advantage of every minute the kids were at school. I did my practicing between classes and on the weekends. And unless people were in McCain or in my house, I didn’t really see anyone for 3 years. My kids were fine. I was there when they got up and I still got them home from school. I had a lot of adrenaline. It was something so new and a fun challenge! -Heather
I started listening to a book called 10x is easier than 2x by Dan Sullivan. I’ve wondered that same thing, and it’s given me lots of really good ideas. Good luck! -Kinnen
I went back to school with young kids so not the same situation, but I stripped everything down to the bare minimum. I only focused on getting through school, and taking care of my family. Our house was a wreck. I didn’t volunteer for anything at church or kid school or anywhere. I worked through lunch and worked after the kids were in bed until late at night. I look back and those were some of the most cherished days of my life. The sense of accomplishment is like none other. -Amy
I studied on the go a lot. Listening to lectures while exercising, cleaning, driving, making dinner. I have a big whiteboard in my bedroom that I would write out concepts and things I was trying to learn. I used post it notes to put things where I could see them. I did my best to prioritize my family because I found that when I felt like their needs were being met, I could focus better on my studies, but I also frequently reminded myself that they would be blessed by seeing me work to achieve my goal, even if it meant some sacrifice on their part. Mostly, I prayed that the Lord would expand my capacity and He did. It’s hard to explain, but I frequently felt like I was blessed to be able to achieve way more than I could have ever imagined. -Michelle
A. I accepted that not everything would get done all the time.
B. I tried really hard to do what I was supposed to be doing at that time. When i was doing school work I was doing school work, when it was work that was all I was doing. This may sound obvious but my ADHD brain struggled to not just mash all time and tasks together.
C. I also found that when I regularly made sure I prayed and wrote in my journal I was able to meet my obligations better. There were many an evening I was stressed about a paper due or whatever and I would pause to read my scriptures and pray ” I’m putting you first God, please let all the other things fall into place”, and they always did.
D. I talked to ethan about setting aside an evening or two a week where I was simply not available. I was there for dinner and clean up. But I didn’t help with putting kids to bed or keeping him company that evening.
E. To keep my sanity, I called my friends to chat when I was on my way to things or waiting. Sitting in a parking lot waiting for drama or track to end? That’s me on the phone with my cousin. Walking to the school to pick little girls up?- me chatting with a friend on the phone.
F. I enlisted children to assist with prepping meals. The down side is sometimes they cook things you aren’t excited about. But at least your time and brain power wasn’t used on it and they practiced a good skill.
G. I also enlisted kids to do a lot of thr grocery shopping. I gave them a list and my credit card and they did a great job. Especially if they have a drivers license it is such a relief.
I wasn’t perfect. I was a mess often, but we all survived. Maybe a few of these things will help. -Vanessa
Good luck, you’ve got this!!!
Author: Mile High Mamas
