STUDYING MOM By Vanny Whitchelo

Apr 23

Written By

Studying Tips for Parents

“How do you do it?” People have asked me.

It’s 12:45am on Sunday and I decide to check my email. Maybe there’s an email about my French Wine Scholar score?

There it is!

I got 90%. Not bad, given the challenging year we all had in 2020 and continue to experience 4 months into 2021, and only 60-65% enrolled in the course pass. Passing score is 75%.

I’ve studied without kids while working full-time. I’ve done it with one child while working full-time. I’ve done it with two kids, a newborn/infant and a threenager during a f*!&ing pandemic while on maternity leave.

I’ve been formally studying wine since 2012 and at each stage in my life, I always found it challenging. The two young children stage has been the most difficult so far (with everything, not just studying). Two kids and going back to work full-time will be another level, but like every other stage, I’ll find a way to get it done.

I’ve considered putting off some of my studies, but I know that as a parent, there is no ideal time to study. If you want to take that course, my advice is: Do it.

It’s not easy. It’s never going to be easy. If you have a goal though and you can’t stop thinking about it, figure out how to make it happen.

Studying lots, I also experienced mom guilt. However, I reason that my children will see me working hard chasing my dreams and I’ll inspire them to do the same. And that is part of my answer to what I think should be the more important question:

Why do you do it?

How I do it are the actions I take for why I do it. Why I do it is what sustains me.

Why I do it keeps me going when I’ve had little sleep and just want an early night, or a night off for that matter. It’s what keeps me focused when the sun is shining and I just want to enjoy a glass of wine with a friend outside (social distanced, of course). It’s what keeps me working when I’m just not in the mood to study while baby is napping and I try to talk myself out of it by saying how messy the house is.

But, the dishes can wait and the house doesn’t have to be that tidy. I’m prioritizing myself and doing what makes me happy. We all know happiness starts with you, because when you’re happy, life is better for you, your partner (if you have one), and your kids.

I acknowledge my privilege of being able to take time off from work after having my children and having a supportive partner and in-laws nearby. Not everyone has these luxuries to pursue their goals. Nonetheless, I feel that if you want to make something happen and believe you can make it happen, make a plan to make it happen.

So, how do I do it? Here are a few things that have worked for me.

Make a plan.

This is #1. When is the exam date? What do I need to do to ensure success from now until then? For me, it was:

Read the whole book.
Type out my notes (hence reading the book over again)
Do all the exercises provided by program.
Read my notes.
Make flash cards of questions I think could be asked on the exam.
Study. Revisit problem areas by rereading those sections and testing myself with exercises and flash cards.

I determined how many pages I’ll need to read each day, how many pages I have to get through each day when typing out my notes, how many exercises I need to complete each day, how many pages I have to read of my notes each day. I planned out exactly when I was going to study and what I was going to do each day so there’s no question what I should focus on. I would complete that or more. I never went to sleep until I completed what I set for myself.

When planning, I gave myself some grace period. That is, I probably can cram more in, but allowed myself more time because things come up. Note though, when I found myself ahead of schedule, I just kept going and went ahead of the schedule. I was always glad I did because it allowed me more time to work on the sections I had trouble with.

Don’t be afraid to revise your study techniques and/or schedule to get everything you need covered. Mind any special dates like long weekends and birthdays. I didn’t get much studying done then.

Turn off phone notifications

It’s hard to focus with constant distractions and interruptions. That’s why a desk clear of distractions (nothing unrelated to your studies) is the best way for me to study.

I also put my phone on Do Not Disturb except for phone calls. Text messages can wait and social media was put on the back burner. In fact, I don’t get social media notifications on my phone even when I’m not studying. I find they’re unnecessary interruptions in my life.

Limit social media or get off it

I set a limit on how much time I spent on social media and when I can go on it. We can all agree how it’s so damn easy to mindlessly scroll for half an hour and not even realize it. You know how much information from your studies you could’ve retained in that half hour?!

Since I’ll have even less time to study as I’ll be returning to work full-time, I’m considering deleting the apps 1-2 months before my next exam. This way, it will be even easier for me to stay focused.

Flash cards make studying mobile

I would quickly test myself while waiting for the bus on my way to work. I’d bring flash cards when I brought my daughter to play at the park, sneaking in a card here and there. I’ve used an app and physical cards and there are pros and cons to both. Both worked.

As we see from our kiddos, the key to mastering a new skill is repetition. Test, test, test yourself whenever you can!

Celebrate the small wins

When I made good progress with my studying schedule, I rewarded myself. I’d promise myself I would open a nice bottle of wine on the weekend if I get this much done. It was another way to motivate myself and celebrating these small wins kept me on the high I needed to keep going!

Listen up!

I’ve also read out the textbook and recorded the audio so I can listen/study while working out, going for a walk, or doing house chores, but haven’t done that consistently. This time around, I listened to a wine podcast on whatever topic it was I was having trouble retaining. Either or both of these could work for you, too.

The key is to plan out exactly what you’re going to study each day, as well as when and how you’re going to do it. Study and repeat, repeat, repeat. You got this!

Are you a studying mom or plan to study in the near future? What steps are you implementing to ensure your success? Go get it, mama!

About Vanny Whitchelo

Vanny is a wine writer and marketer based in Vancouver, BC. She and her husband have two little ones, ages 8 months and 3 years. Her interest in wine was ignited while working in the hospitality industry during university. However, it wasn’t until she was 30 she decided to pursue wine studies formally, which led to a career change at 32. She started with the internationally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program and is now WSET Advanced Certified. She is also an Italian Wine Scholar and French Wine Scholar. She plans on registering for the Spanish Wine Scholar course in the next few months.

You can find Vanny on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinovanny/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/VinoVanny