Being a single mom in college while raising five children isn’t easy, but it is possible when you have the right support and structure. I’m in my final year of nursing school, and in just two weeks I’ll be heading back to campus. My kids started school this week, and as I think about how we make everything work, I want to share the routines, childcare, and systems that help me balance college and family life.
Getting Back Into Routine
Every year before school starts, I get my kids back into a routine at least a week early. During summer break we stay up late, sometimes until midnight, enjoying family time together. But once school is around the corner, I switch us back to a stricter bedtime routine.
Now everyone is in bed by nine at the latest. Bedtime means showers or baths, quiet time, and reading books. Having this structure helps my kids settle down and makes mornings so much smoother.
Everyone Helps Out
As a single mom in college, I can’t do everything alone. I’ve learned that involving my children in responsibilities keeps our home running smoothly. My teenagers are independent and take care of clearing up after dinner, which gives me time to focus on my two younger ones.
Even my six year old has small jobs he can handle. He reads his school book to his younger sister, which helps him practice, boosts his confidence, and gives her a sweet story time moment. He also feels proud being the big brother.
Everyone has a role in our home. We function like a small team, and that teamwork keeps things calm and organized.
Why Childcare Is Everything
One thing that has truly made it possible for me to continue as a single mom in college is my home daycare provider. Without her, I honestly don’t know how I’d manage. She is reliable, and I can trust her completely.
This year my youngest daughter is starting preschool from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. On clinical days, I drop her off at my daycare provider’s house at 6:30 AM. She takes her to preschool in the morning, picks her up in the afternoon, and then brings her back home around 7 PM.
Last year was much harder. I used to collect my daughter from my provider’s house as late as 9 PM, often after long clinical shifts. This year my provider agreed to bring her home directly, which has made a huge difference. Now I can come straight home after clinicals knowing she’s already safe with her siblings. On lecture days, my daughter does extended hours at preschool so I can pick her up at 5 PM.
My older kids also play a big role in school runs. My seven-year-old attends an after-school club, and his older brothers bring him home on the days I’m at clinicals. My oldest son is away at college and only comes home during breaks, but the teenagers who live at home step up whenever they’re needed.
This year I have even more clinical hours, which are always the hardest to juggle with childcare. But because of the support system I have, we make it work.
Preparing Ahead Makes Life Easier
Getting everyone back into routine isn’t just for the kids. I also prepare myself mentally and practically. I make sure uniforms, supplies, and materials are ready before school begins so we avoid last minute stress. Batch cooking and meal prep help a lot too, especially during weeks when my schedule is long and unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
What keeps me going as a single mom in college is teamwork at home and reliable childcare. Knowing my kids are safe and cared for means I can focus on my studies without constant worry.
Being a single mom in college isn’t easy, but it is possible when you have routines that work, kids who help in age appropriate ways, and people you can rely on. It’s not perfect, but it works for us.
If you are a single mom in college, my advice is to build a support system you can trust, give your children responsibilities that make them feel proud, and create routines that keep your home steady. With preparation and teamwork, you can succeed in your studies and still be present for your family.
