Thursday, July 18th, 2024 — Juggling the demands of a PhD programme and parenthood can be overwhelming, but today, I discovered the power of consistency and creative problem-solving. Join me as I recount a day filled with tiny victories and big lessons.
The day started with so much energy. We had a very good time together with my sons. We started the day with fellowship as they woke up, just singing together. While we were watching the screen and worshipping God, it felt more like leading a kiddies’ choir. It was a beautiful day, I’d say.
What are the things I want to draw from this day? Particularly, the fact that consistency makes even what seems impossible possible. Because I have consistently engaged with the baby, he has adapted and realised that this is a new reality. However, it’s not easy for me, as I wasn’t feeling the same ease with which he was able to adjust. I experienced body aches and pains. In fact, on Monday, I slept in the morning and evening, and when I woke up on Tuesday morning, one side of my body felt as if I had lifted something overnight. This was probably because I was carrying him on my left side.
But it was so easy for him to gradually adjust. I was really quite one-armed for a while. All I needed to do was to show him around the house so he could confirm that mum was not in. I was amazed by how even these kids have doubts in their hearts, thinking, “Oh, this man might be deceiving me.” I thought about this because when baby Nimi woke up, he kept looking left and right, wanting to see what was happening in the other room, the study, the kitchen, and even the toilets. After checking everywhere, he became more relaxed. You can imagine how much curiosity and wisdom that sort of behaviour communicates.
I managed to achieve some work today, and at some point, the baby slept. In fact, I found a way of putting him on a cushion pillow, like a bigger throw. I placed that on my leg and positioned the laptop over him. This setup really worked for some reason. When he slept, I just lifted the pillow and carried him without disturbing his sleep. I put him somewhere comfortable while I continued my work. I managed to do about two hours of work, which is quite impressive. I’m very happy about that.
Along the line, I went out, and we were able to go out together. We did a couple of errands and then came back home. Upon returning, I started thinking about my TV. My big screen, 55 inches, has been faulty for a while, and I’ve been thinking of how to fix it. The problem is that it is not lightweight and it is not very easy to dispose of electronics here in the UK , at least I haven’t found a way at this time. I have been using projectors so far. But then I did some research and found out there’s a way to remove the faulty module and send it out instead of the entire TV, which I plan to do. Wish me luck.
Well, my wife returned, which was very relieving, and then I went to campus to do some further work. That’s how I’m coping with this new routine. May the Lord help me. So, I don’t know what you are getting from this, but this is still my daily journal. I hope you can see things from my perspective. Cheers.
Key Takeaways:
1. Consistency Leads to Adaptation: Engaging consistently with children helps them adapt to new routines and realities, even if it’s challenging for the parent.
2. Efficient Work Strategies: Finding innovative ways to balance childcare and work, such as using a cushion pillow to hold the baby while working, can lead to productive and impressive work hours.
3. Resourcefulness in Problem Solving: Researching and implementing solutions for household issues, like fixing a faulty TV by extracting a chip, demonstrates resourcefulness and proactive problem-solving.
Note to PhD Students Who Double as Caregiving Parents:
Balancing a demanding PhD programme with caregiving responsibilities is no easy feat, but your perseverance and ingenuity are commendable. Remember that consistency in your efforts can help both you and your children adapt to new routines. Finding creative ways to integrate caregiving with your work can make you more productive than you might think. Embrace the challenges and know that your resourcefulness today will shape a better tomorrow. Keep pushing forward—you are doing an incredible job.
Let me know what you think about my today’s journey.
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