Time Management Hacks for Single Mothers Going Back to School

Time-Block Your Week: To-do lists can be helpful, but relying on them may not give you the hack you are looking for. A better way to manage your time effectively is by blocking time in your calendar. Set aside time for school, kids’ activities and meals, studying, and other important things. When your schedule is clear and visible, it makes it easier to stay focused and on track.

Tip: Every Sunday, plan your week by blocking out time for classes, study time, kids’ activities, and rest. Use colour coding to help you stay organized.

Use “Micro-Moments” for Studying: If finding time to study is difficult, it’s time to pivot. Not every study session has to be an hour or two. Use the small gaps in your day to study; lunch breaks, carpool waits, or on your commute on the train or bus. Even 10-15 minutes here or there can make a difference.

Tip: Keep flashcards in your car or purse for a quick study session. If flashcards aren’t your thing, try study apps or using your notes app. You can pull these out anytime and anywhere.

Meal Prep and Batch Your Tasks: Meal prepping is a must! Batch cook on weekends or double your recipes, so you always have leftovers. As mothers, we know the mental labour of figuring out what meals to make, making the grocery list, and then going grocery shopping. When we are able to minimize this, it helps get some time back in our day. Apply the same idea to other tasks. Batch cleaning, laundry, or errands can also be helpful. Pick a day to clean, do laundry, or run your errands; that way you know when things are supposed to be done. Pair this with time-blocking to stay consistent.

Tip: Pick a day for each task. For example: Saturday is groceries and batch cooking, Sunday is cleaning and doing laundry, Monday is the day you do all your errands.

Build a Support With This Woman’s Work Foundation: At This Woman’s Work Foundation, we help single mothers overcome one of the biggest barriers, childcare. We cover childcare expenses during the length of your professional educational program, so you can focus on your goals. With TWWF support, you can focus on your education and career.

Tip: Learn more about how This Woman’s Work Foundation works with single mothers and how you can apply!