Managing a PhD while raising kids

[@zaloasanchezvarela7698]

Great video James! I have been struggling with the fact that I am a mother before PhD student, and now, so close to defending my dissertation, I can say that I've succeeded, like many other mommies before me, and the same will be for some other women under the same circumstances. My tips: organise yourself so you can be productive in short periods of time. I have surprisingly taken advantage of the moments when I am "alone", like for example riding the bus to work. It is perfect for reading some research paper! My children do some extra-scholar activities (archery and badminton), and while they are there enjoying, I can sit at a café and work on my doctorate (now with the pandemia, I have done it in the car). Every moment is precious, even 30 minutes can be productive if you know in your mind what you have to do (so you need some plan, knowing what you have to do). There will be tasks that you will not be able to finish in one session (my children finish the sports time and cannot wait for me to finish, of course!). The most important tip, as mentioned in the video, is to take it easy. It will take more time than usual, but it is ok and you are allowed. I requested to be moved from a full-time to a part-time doctorate, then I requested an extension of my submission date... in the meantime, my children have grown and are more independent.

[@alysamali700]

Thank you Zaloa for sharing your experience. I know exactly what you’re talking about: taking kids to sports and using that time to do quick work! But how do you motivate yourself to keep going?

[@elinabarone1129]

Ppnb

[@basmahassan9940]

Great video I wish there was more content out there for phd students who are parents. I have 2 kids and am in last 7 months of science phd. I have a group of 5 other mums also doing their PhD with kids and it’s amazing for support. Couldn’t get through without my gang

[@alysamali700]

Thank you James for including PhD students with parenting responsibilities

[@evelynkarkkulainen1784]

This is so true. Sometimes you feel so guilty about yourself for not spending enough time with your kids. I personally suffered with someone called me irresponsible because I have work throughout night and spend more time on my project. Gradually I have found the balance and soon its over. Remember to productive with the little chance you get to make progress in your PhD. Staying in touch with senior researchers and supervisors and peers are great ways to manage your journey. Always have a plan.

[@shazkhalid9070]

I’m close to defending my dissertation, and have somehow made it this far being a single parent and living in a foreign country with almost no support. I came to terms with the fact that for a few years I won’t be able to have much on my plate or do as much, so my time is strictly for my son/PhD and a little left for relaxation and simple (lockdown permitting) activities like walks at the park. If I find I can’t work during the day (thanks to kids school online classes), I try sneak in a nap, then work for a few solid silent hours at night. It’s worked for me.

[@James_Hayton]

Well done!

[@DaoTran-sm5ic]

Great job Shaz! I also wake up early when my son is still asleep to “make more time” for research paper reading and thesis writing.

[@shazkhalid9070]

@@DaoTran-sm5ic right :), stealing time here and there when you can, it’ll all be worth it. Best of luck!

[@foz2071]

This was a long time coming but worth the wait. As a single parent of two boys, one on the spectrum and no support, the tip that you gave on short term goals makes sense aswell as the acknowledgement of the unpredictability of children. I am in my first year.

[@mengjiangzhao8838]

Thanks for your sharing. After leaving college for 20 years, I return to formal studies again. Writing essays and dissertation are really a challenge.

[@TheVratilo]

1. Newborn 2. Full-time job outside academia 3. House building open project 4. Part-time PhD Any advice? LOL

[@James_Hayton]

Do you have any time for the PhD? You need to be able to put the hours in consistently, otherwise it might be best to put it on hold until the newborn s a bit older and the house is finished!

[@TheVratilo]

@@James_Hayton thank you on response. Not really in this moment. But I'm trying to figure it out how to proceed from this point further... not a really typical situation for PhD candidate :)

[@helenmckeag2883]

@@James_Hayton this is where I am too. Full time job in academia, 8 year old twins and a 9 year old. I can use one work day per week for study and I am organised and efficient, and my husband is so supportive. But pleaaaseee no more school closures 🤣

[@dianasingnarpi1499]

All your videos are so helpful for me,thank you for creating Such a useful videos,I am a working lady,mom,and a PhD scholar

[@ashutoshkumar_maurya421]

The Ph D student who were father, lock down can be distracting to do Ph D, If supervisor is not supportive. I think 30% supervisor are not caring there student. Since they have rude behaviour and also they have family matters. Some supervisor are thinking that they have secure their jobs as well as their research are over. In my opinion, all this situation not affect the real Ph D student except supervisor demoralising the student and abusing the student. Thanks for your channel.❤️

[@James_Hayton]

Sadly, there are a lot of abusive supervisors and it puts students in a very difficult position. For me, supervisors have a duty of care towards the students who put a lot of trust in them

[@detynurfadilah8324]

Thanks for your video, I've been thinking on how to prepare myself for phd this year, bring three kids.

[@vineelachandra8440]

Thanks for the tips James...I am mother of 1 year old baby and doing my PhD...Its really hard to manage both and sometimes I feel deprived for not being able to give good amount of time to my baby.... I think managing the time between both of them is very essential and that too qualitative time both for work and baby... I will try to follow tips from you and try to be more focused...

[@sarahsaied3302]

super like before watching the video, thank you so much James that you hear my complain, really appreciate your considerations :))))

[@abe3999]

How about the trifecta? PhD, family, and work?

[@James_Hayton]

Not easy! You've got to carve out some regular time somehow, and make sure that you know what you're going to work on before you sit down at the computer. This video goes into how to balance a PhD with full time work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXzKcnp4qbGFm5I

[@agathaturyagyenda7900]

Was looking for this, actually looking for a mum doing a PhD.. lol

[@madhurikumari5609]

Thanks for the suggestions... I m in the period of my coursework.. I don't how to manage assignments with some additional work of research. I m mother of two. (India)

[@James_Hayton]

You need to be able to create some pockets of time, then make sure you are super focused on a well-defined task when you have the opportunity to work. How much time are you able to dedicate to studies?

[@madhurikumari5609]

@@James_Hayton 4 hours but in pieces.

[@James_Hayton]

if that's 4h per day then that's OK. The important thing is to know in advance what you are going to work on (and stick with it). Don't wait until you're starting work to decide. As the time is broken up, don't try to multitask- do one thing at a time!

[@madhurikumari5609]

@@James_Hayton thanks for wise suggestions.

[@hadiquafazal5653]

Good sharing .

[@aditisiddharth6472]

Try phd with kids and oncalls. 🤔

[@bensaadabdou1824]

Hello Dr. James i hope you are doing well . My name is Ben saad Abderrahman from Algeria and i have finished my Master degree in Didactics and i want to start my doctoral studies with a great research work. Would you please to supervise me in developing PHD research work ?

[@James_Hayton]

Sorry, I can't supervise you. I have a membership site with courses and weekly group zoom calls, but what I do isn't supervision

[@bensaadabdou1824]

@@James_Hayton 😃 Thank u for your response sir!

[@missmarvellous2247]

Any RF and microwave researchers here??

[@pamulakrishnakumari9101]

I am RF researcher