Tips on How to Be a Successful Single Parent in College

If you're a single parent and in college you need no reminder how challenging that can be. Successfully parenting a child while in college requires a large amount of resources that other students and single parents just don't have to think about. Your support base must be strong in order for you to succeed in coming up with a plan of action to responsibly raise your child while you're working to get your degree.

This may sounds corny, but take a big piece of paper and write on it why it's important for you to achieve your college degree. Take this paper and paste it your bedroom door, or somewhere that will offer a lot of visibility each day. Single parents in college often need, more than anything else, motivation in order to continue leading two lives.

On a second, even bigger piece of paper you should make a chart. Write a long line down the middle of the paper, from top to bottom. On the left side write down any obstacles you think you may face as single parent in college. Some suggestions include, transportation difficulties, a low source of income, scheduling, etc. On the right hand side of the paper, next to each item you have already written on the left, write down what you think the solution or solutions you might think will overcome the obstacle.

Take a few minutes to call friends and family to ask them if they can be a source of help for you. Mention the obstacles you have on your chart and see if there is anything they can do to help solve the problem. If you find anyone willing to help overcome any of what you have written down, write the person's name down next to the solution. If getting a babysitter happens to be the solution to taking care of your kid while you're in class at night, then perhaps your aunt or godmother will be the resource to help make this happen. You'd be surprised how often family and friends are willing to help when they know you are in a bind.

If you happen to be close to your extended family, then attempt to take advantage of any free time they might be able to donate to watching your child while you're either working or in school. Paying a babysitter can be costly, so try and stick to family. You can keep track of what their schedules are by writing them down and even color-coding them, in order to know who might be available what day or night if something comes up last minute that requires you leave your child at home.

Once you get a feel for solving the scheduling issue, it's of paramount importance that you keep open communication with your child. If they are old enough to understand that you're going for higher education, talk to them about how important that is and how what you're doing will ultimately provide a better life for your kid. Learning to be a successful single parent in college will come with daily challenges, but if you're open to soliciting help from those who are close to you then it can be a bit easier to deal with.