Ep 8 - How To Give Yourself Grace Through Constant Change in Motherhood Before Graduation

Hi everyone!

I am grateful for the amazing insights that I personally gained while talking to Kayla about her journey through school, supporting her husband through his bachelor’s and master’s degree, and becoming a mother all at the same time.

We all grow up watching our parents and that really becomes part of us. Kayla talked about how she watched her own mother go back to school and work after having kids, and that’s what was normal for her. Her husband had a different perspective as his mom decided to stay at home. This brought up great conversations as they dreamed and planned how they wanted to create their future together. This is such a great realization as we grow as couples through expectations and how we will work together.

As Kayla approached her last year of school, she was pregnant and very sick. She decided to tell her professors, and they were very understanding and gave her grace when she needed it. We talked about how important it is to speak up. If she hadn’t, she’s sure that her year would’ve turned out differently.

We talked about the importance of communication as a couple. Their dynamic really changed her last year as she decided to quit her job so she could finish strong, and her husband stepped up into fully providing for their family (he was doing a dual bachelor’s and master’s degree program). She felt that she was able to sink into motherhood in a new way as she took over some household duties (including budgeting), and realized that they needed time as a couple as well. It really paid off overall as their life evolved.

Kayla noticed, as they worked together to be in school and be with their baby, that resentment built up fast if they only focused on the BIG things. Things like hours of “alone time” wasn’t enough to foster good relationship overall. They really had to focus on the little things. Obtaining that maintenance really changed their relationship.

She has learned that change is constant, especially with a growing family, and patience is necessary because the mood changes when there’s a grumpy baby and overwhelmed and overworked parents! Communication is key!

I hope you will share this podcast episode with someone who is knee-deep in school with a family. There’s so much that goes into this dynamic and I know it will help anyone who listens.

Happy listening!

Celeste

P.S. Here is the YouTube link below!

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