The nursing profession is a dream for many. It’s a career that promises stability, purpose, and the chance to help others. Added to that is the nursing shortage that makes the job market for registered nurses more appealing. But what happens when you’re also a parent? Raising kids while tackling a nursing degree is overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

With the right mindset, tools, and a little flexibility, you can make it work. This article is for every parent out there chasing a nursing career. So, here’s how you can balance parenthood and education without losing your sanity.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

First, it’s important to talk about why this juggling act matters. As already highlighted, nursing is a rewarding field. It offers a high annual salary potential, plus a sense of pride that’s hard to beat.

As a parent, those benefits can mean a better future for your family. You may score a bigger home, college funds for your kids, or just less stress about bills in general. Your kids will also get to see you chasing a goal. That’s a powerful lesson in hard work and determination that they’ll carry with them.

In the end, the nursing field demands time, focus, and energy. You’ve got classes, clinical practices, exams, and endless reading. Then there’s parenting, which is riddled with diapers, school pickups, tantrums, or helping with homework.

Another challenge you might face is generating funds for your studies. While most nursing students who aren’t parents can find part-time job opportunities and juggle them with their studies, that would be quite impossible for you.

This is when an RN scholarship provides educational opportunities. With this aid, you don’t have to worry about your finances. Just maintain an excellent performance and you’ll finish your degree in nursing and score that school diploma.

Fortunately, plenty of parents have walked this path and become stronger. This means that you can too. This trick is finding a rhythm that works for you and your family. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.

Master Your Time

Time is your most precious resource when you’re a parent and a student. You’ll realize that there’s not enough of it. That’s why managing it well is the first big step.

Start by looking at your week like a puzzle. The classes, study time, and kids’ activities are pieces that need a spot. One simple way to do this is with a scheduler. It could be a notebook, a digital calendar app, or even just a sheet of paper on your fridge.

Write down your fixed commitments first. It may include your class times, clinical shifts shadowing nurse practitioners, and anything your kids can’t miss, like doctor’s appointments or sports practice. Then, fit in study blocks around those. Maybe it’s an hour after the kids are in bed or 30 minutes while they nap.

Be realistic with this schedule. Small chunks of focused time beat trying to cram everything into one marathon session. Also, always prioritize what’s urgent. If an exam’s coming up, focus there instead of stressing over a reading that’s due next month.

It’s inevitable that a nursing degree program throws a wide range of tasks at you, so don’t try to do it all at once. And if something has to wait, like folding laundry or replying to emails, let it. Your time’s too valuable.

Of course, schedules only work if you stick to them. That might mean saying no to extras, like a last-minute playdate or a Netflix binge. It’s tough, but keeping your eye on the prize makes it easier.

Build Your Support System

No one balances parenting and school alone. Even if you’re a superhero parent (as every parent is), you’ll still need help.

You can start with the people closest to you. If you’ve got a partner, sit down and talk about how they can pitch in. Maybe they handle bedtime a few nights a week so you can study. Or they take the kids to the park while you tackle a big assignment.

If you’re a single parent, look to family and friends. A grandparent who can babysit, a trusted neighbor who can drop off a casserole, or a friend who’s happy to listen when you’re stressed can also be tapped. If you can’t leave your kids to them, they can at least be your outlet so you won’t feel alone.

Don’t stop there. Your nursing school might have resources as well. Some nursing programs offer flexible education courses for parents. You can even take online programs to learn at your own pace if the school allows.

During the clinical shift, you can also connect with other student-parents in the healthcare organization you are in. Check with your advisor or student services. There could be childcare discounts, tutoring, or even a quiet study space on campus.

And your classmates? They’re in the trenches with you. Swap notes, form a study group, or just vent over coffee. Sharding the load makes it lighter.

You must remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s actually a smart move. You’re not failing if someone else steps in.  In fact, you’re succeeding by keeping everything moving forward. So, lean on your team. They want you to win as much as you do.

Taking Care of Yourself

You can’t pour from an empty cup. The field of nursing is intense and parenting is nonstop. So, if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll hit a wall, and fast. While burnout is real, it is avoidable.

Sleep is your first defense here. You might laugh and think ‘When?’ But even small doses help. If you can’t get a full eight hours, aim for naps. It can be a 20-minute after lunch or while the kids watch a show. It’s not the perfect way to rest, but it keeps you going.

Food matters too. You don’t have time to cook gourmet meals, and that’s fine. Stock up on quick, healthy options like granola bars, fruit, yogurts, or frozen veggies you can microwave. Keep a water bottle handy because staying hydrated sharpens your brain for studying and chasing toddlers.

Then there’s your mental health. Stress will creep in, especially on days when a kid’s sick and a paper’s due. Take five minutes to breathe deeply or stretch. It sounds small, but it resets you. If you’ve got a spare 15 minutes, step outside. Fresh air can lift your mood when you’re drowning in textbooks or diaper changes.

Self-care isn’t selfish. At this point in your life, it also means survival. You’re no good to your kids or your studies if you’re running on fumes. So, cut yourself some slack because you don’t have to be perfect at everything every day.

Blend Parenting and Studying

One cool thing about being a parent in nursing school is that you can mix the two sometimes. Your kids’ routines and your study goals don’t always have to clash. With a little creativity, they can work together.

If your kids are little, study during their downtime. Nap time, quiet play, or even a favorite cartoon can buy you 30 minutes to review flashcards or watch a lecture video.

For older kids, sync up your ‘homework’ with theirs. Sit at the table together. You with your nursing notes, them with their math problems. It’s bonding and productivity in one.

You can even make learning fun for them. Explain what you’re studying in simple terms. Tell a preschooler how the heart pumps blood like a superhero power. Quiz a grade-schooler on bones for your anatomy test. They’ll love it, and you’ll reinforce what you’re learning. It’s a win-win.

That said, some days won’t go smoothly. A kid might get sick, or you’ll bomb a quiz. When that happens, don’t beat yourself up. Order pizza, let the kids watch an extra show, and try again tomorrow. Flexibility is your secret weapon.

Face the Tough Moments

There will always be hard days. Nursing school is riddled with surprise exams, tough clinical shifts, or a teacher who’s hard to please. Add parenting, and you might deal with a teething baby, a school project due tomorrow, or a meltdown over spilled juice. It’s a lot.

When those moments hit, pause. Take a breath and remind yourself why you’re doing this. Picture yourself in that nurse’s uniform, diploma in hand, with your kids cheering you on. That image can pull you through when you’re ready to quit.

Talk it out too. Vent to a friend, a classmate, or even to nurse educators who get it. Sometimes just saying, ‘I’m struggling,’ lifts the weight a little. And if you’re falling behind, don’t hide it. Reach out to your instructors. Many are willing to work with you if you’re upfront.

The tough moment passed. They always do. Each one you get through makes you stronger, and closer to that nursing diploma.

Celebrate Your Wins

Here’s something every parent-student needs to hear: celebrate yourself. You’re doing two things at once. That’s incredible. If you pass a test, celebrate it with your kids. Finished a challenging clinical rotation? Treat yourself to ice cream or an extra hour of sleep. Graduated a semester? Throw a little party.

Your kids should celebrate too. They’re part of this journey. Tell them, ‘We did it!’ when you hit a milestone. It shows teamwork and keeps them excited for you. These wins, big or small, fuel you. They remind you that the late nights, the missed playdates, and the chaos are all worth it.

Final Thoughts

Balancing parenthood in your nursing career path isn’t a straight line. It’s messy, challenging, and sometimes exhausting. But it’s also inspiring. You’re showing your kids what’s possible while tackling an educational pathway that changes lives, including your own.

So, take it one day at a time. Plan your hours, lean on your people, and give yourself grace when it’s hard. You’ve got the tools: time management, support, self-care, and a little creativity. Most importantly, you’ve got a heart. That’s what makes a great parent and a great nurse.

Music education isn’t just about learning to sing or play an instrument. It builds skills that help kids in every part of life. We believe every child deserves the chance to experience the power of music in a structured classroom setting. Yet, when budgets get tight, music programs are often the first to be cut.  This is a mistake.

Education in music should not simply be viewed as a fun perk.  It’s a vital component of a well-rounded education.

The Benefits of Music Education

Here are solid reasons why music education is essential for every school and why every child should have access to it.

1. Music Boosts Brain Development

Research has shown that learning music contributes to brain health. Studies show that kids who study music do better in math, reading, and memory skills. Music trains the brain to recognize patterns, solve problems, and focus—skills needed for all subjects.

It’s important to remember these correlations between music and success in other subjects. Educators should work to promote these benefits to “the powers that be” that fund curriculums.

2. Music Helps with Emotional Well-Being

Music is an outlet. It helps kids express emotions they might not have words for. It can reduce stress and boost confidence. Many students who struggle in other subjects find success and joy in music.

Research indicates that music education positively influences students’ mental health, enhancing cognitive, verbal, and emotional intelligence. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights that music training improves mental acuity, particularly in areas related to emotional intelligence. ​

3. Music Improves Social Skills

Playing in a band or singing in a choir teaches teamwork. Kids learn to listen, cooperate, and support each other. It’s not just about playing the right notes; it’s about working together to create something bigger than themselves.

Of course, learning to play an instrument is not going to be of interest to every student, but many kids struggle to belong. It’s very common for those who feel alienated to see solace in music.

4. Music Connects Cultures and History

Music isn’t just entertainment. It’s part of history and culture. Through music, kids learn about different traditions, time periods, and perspectives. It expands their understanding of the world.

Engaging with music from diverse cultures fosters cultural understanding and respect among students. A study published in Applications of Research in Music Education explores how implementing cultural identity-affirming activities in secondary music classrooms can enhance students’ appreciation for different traditions and perspectives. ​ResearchGate+1Francis Academic Press+1SAGE Journals

5. Music Builds Discipline and Patience

Learning an instrument takes practice. Kids learn that improvement comes with effort. They set goals, work hard, and see progress—lessons they carry into all areas of life.  Persistence helps them tackle other challenges in school.  Music teaches patience, resilience, and the value of consistent effort—skills that benefit kids far beyond the classroom.

Whether kids learn in school or by taking lessons, the most popular instruments they choose are piano, guitar, violin, drums, voice (singing), flute, and ukulele.  Of course, when taking music in school, students have access to many more instruments they can try without the cost of investing in their own personal instrument.

The Bottom Line

Music education is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. It shapes smarter, more confident, and more well-rounded students. Schools that invest in music aren’t just teaching kids to play instruments—they’re helping them succeed in life.

Music education contributes to improved creativity, confidence, mental health, and student performance. Research from the University of Southern California emphasizes that children who learn a musical instrument experience enhanced cognitive function and emotional stability, underscoring the necessity of music programs in schools. ​

Flowers aren’t just nice to look at and pleasant to smell—they are a gateway to teaching kids about the role plants and flowers play in our beautiful world.  Let’s dig into how flowers can inspire learning, creativity, and enhance overall well-being for the whole family.

Whether it’s planting seeds or crafting a bouquet, flowers produce lessons wrapped in fun. Flowers can quite literally bloom into educational adventures, while keeping kids grounded in the real world. So, let’s get started by exploring flowers and bouquets that can bring fresh ideas and blooms into your family activities.

Growing with Flowers: Education and Life Lessons

For kids, flowers are a hands-on way to connect with nature and spark curiosity. They also offer a safe, screen-free activity that balances time spent online, teaching valuable lessons along the way.

Why Flowers Matter for Kids

Flowers bring big wins for little learners:

• Nature 101: Kids discover how plants grow, fostering a love for the outdoors.

• Creative Play: Arranging blooms boosts imagination and fine motor skills.

• Digital Balance: Flower projects pull kids away from screens for meaningful fun.

Flower Activities for Family Learning

Here’s how to weave flowers into your parenting toolkit:

• Garden Time: Plant simple flowers like sunflowers—kids can track growth and learn patience.

• Craft a Bouquet: Let them mix colors and shapes, turning flowers and bouquets into art.

• Science Fun: Explore petals under a magnifying glass to spark questions about biology.

Flowers and Education

Flowers are more than a splash of color in the garden, they’re full of fascinating lessons! Teach your kids how flowers grow from seeds, sprout into seedlings, and eventually bloom. Observing this process teaches patience and an appreciation for nature.

Flowers rely on bees, butterflies, and even the wind to help spread pollen. Kids can see how important pollinators are in helping plants grow and produce fruits and seeds. Some flowers open in the morning and close at night, while others turn toward the sun. Observing these changes can show kids how plants adapt to their surroundings.

Tips for Parents Using Flowers

Make the most of flowers with these ideas:

• Start Small: Grab a few blooms or seeds from a safe, kid-friendly source.

• Go Digital (Safely): Look up flower facts together on vetted sites like educational apps.

• Celebrate Growth: Reward kids with a bouquet for learning milestones or safe online habits.

Whether inside the home or out in the backyard, flowers are a key component of nature’s classroom and a great way for parents to contribute to their child’s learning journey.

Conclusion

Flowers are a blooming gift for families—teaching kids about nature and igniting creativity. From digging in the dirt to crafting flowers and bouquets, they offer screen-free fun that educates and connects. Flowers are a simple, joyful way to grow curiosity and nurture healthy activities. Parents and teachers alike can let flowers plant the seeds for learning.

Technology can offer new ways for children with autism to communicate, learn, and engage with the world. Tools like apps, videos, and interactive games can all support language development and emotional regulation. But as helpful as technology can be, excessive screen time — or unrestricted access to digital content — can create challenges.

Setting digital boundaries is key for helping children with autism develop healthy screen habits. By creating clear guidelines based on a child’s age and individual needs, you can encourage balance and maximize the benefits of technology.

Digital Boundaries Based on Age: General Guidelines

Screen time recommendations can change based on age. However, for preschool-aged children especially, the focus should be on high-quality, interactive content and moderation.

Here’s a general guide on screen time for children:

• Preschool (2 to 6 Years Old): The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends limiting screen time to one hour of high-quality programming per day, co-viewed with a caregiver when possible. At this age (and all ages), technology shouldn’t replace social interactions, play, and hands-on experiences.

• Elementary Age (6 to 12 Years Old): Children benefit from structured screen time with clear expectations around device use. Digital interactions should be balanced with offline activities like outdoor play, reading, and socializing.

• Teens (13+ Years Old): Older children will likely request more independence but still benefit from healthy screen limits. Discussions about responsible internet use, online safety, and digital well-being are important at this age.

For children with autism, tailoring guidelines to each child’s needs is key. Some may thrive with structured digital tools that support communication and learning, while others may struggle with disengaging from screens. The goal is to create boundaries that encourage positive engagement without overstimulation.

What Are the Benefits of Technology for Children with Autism?

When used thoughtfully, technology can be an incredible resource for children with autism. Some key benefits include the following:

• Communication Support: For non-verbal children or those with speech delays, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps can help children communicate their needs and feelings more effectively.

• Visual Learning: For visual learners, educational apps and video modeling techniques help reinforce social skills, routines, and problem-solving strategies.

• Predictability and Structure: Digital tools, such as visual schedules and timers, can help children navigate daily routines. These resources provide consistency, reducing anxiety around transitions and unexpected changes.

• Fine Motor Skill Development: Some apps and touchscreen activities support the development of fine motor skills, which can be helpful for children who struggle with handwriting or other manual tasks.

What Does Screen Time Overuse Look Like?

While technology can be a valuable tool, excessive screen time can lead to challenges, especially for children with autism. One of the most noticeable signs of technology overuse is difficulty disengaging from screens. A child may become frustrated or even experience distress when a device is taken away, showing signs of withdrawal similar to a strong emotional attachment.

Sleep disturbances are another red flag. Too much screen time — especially before bed — can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep. Poor sleep can then lead to increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, and challenges in daily activities.

Additionally, when screen time dominates a child’s routine, it may limit essential developmental experiences. Social interactions, play, and language development can all be impacted by excessive screen time.

How To Manage Screen Time: Setting Boundaries

One of the best ways to establish healthy screen habits is to create clear boundaries. You can introduce screen time rules based on your child’s age, needs, and daily schedule. For preschool-aged children, structured time limits and interactive co-viewing — where an adult engages with the child during screen time — can reinforce learning while maintaining connection.

Creating “tech-free” zones in the home, such as keeping screens out of bedrooms or limiting device use at the dinner table, can also help balance screen time with other activities. Establishing predictable screen-free periods, such as before bedtime or during family interactions, allows children to develop routines that don’t rely on technology.

For older children, setting up screen time “contracts” or using visual schedules can be helpful. Modeling and teaching self-regulation — such as setting a timer for device use or taking breaks between screen activities — helps children develop healthy digital habits as they grow.

Monitoring Internet Use and History: Tips

As children become more independent with technology, ensuring their safety online is just as important as managing screen time. Many parents assume platforms like YouTube Kids provide a completely safe browsing experience, but inappropriate content can still slip through filters.

Autoplay features can also expose children to videos that may not be developmentally appropriate.

Content Controls/Restrictions

Parental controls and content restrictions can provide an added layer of protection. Most devices and streaming platforms offer built-in safety settings, allowing parents to set screen time limits, block certain websites, or filter content.

However, technology isn’t foolproof. Regularly checking browsing history and discussing online safety with children can help them responsibly navigate the internet.

Healthy Dialogue Around Digital Habits

Beyond technical safeguards, open conversations about digital habits in the home can help you stay involved while fostering trust. Rather than relying solely on restrictions, engaging with your child on what they’re watching or playing can help guide children toward safe, age-appropriate content and help strengthen a healthy relationship with technology.

Final Thoughts

Technology plays a significant role in the lives of children today, offering tools that can support communication, learning, and social development. However, without clear digital boundaries, excessive screen time can interfere with sleep and real-world interactions.

By setting age-appropriate limits, encouraging balanced screen use, and actively monitoring online activity, you can create a healthy digital environment that supports your child’s growth.

Brad Zelinger is the founder and CEO of Stride Autism Centers.