The Juggling Act: Navigating Pharmacy School and Parenting

When I began my journey in pharmacy school, I carried more than just a backpack filled with textbooks and a laptop. I carried the responsibility of being a mother to 2 children. The demands of the PharmD curriculum are known to be intense, often consuming the majority of a student’s time, energy, and focus. Balancing that with maintaining a home, supporting a spouse, and nurturing my children has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life.

For many prospective student pharmacists who are also parents, the thought of managing both roles may seem impossible. My goal is to reassure parents that it is possible to pursue your dreams without sacrificing the love and presence your children deserve. With planning, persistence, and perspective, you can succeed academically while being present for your family.

The Challenge of Dual Roles

Pharmacy school is not just about attending lectures and passing exams; it requires hours of studying, attending labs, participating in organizational meetings, and completing experiential rotations. Adding motherhood to that mix introduces unique challenges, such as sudden illnesses, school events, childcare coordination, and the emotional energy required to be present for your children. Early in my first year, I realized I had to view my time as a finite resource. Every hour mattered. I learned quickly that organization and flexibility would be my survival tools. Combining a doctoral-level academic workload with parenting is more than a scheduling challenge; it’s an emotional balancing act. When adding parenting into the mix, days become a balancing act between 2 worlds that are equally important and demanding.

In my first year, I quickly realized that my most precious resource wasn’t money, energy, or even sleep; it was time. Every minute mattered; my ability to use it wisely would determine whether I could manage both roles without burning out.

Pharmacy school is more than just attending lectures and memorizing drug names. The truth is, there will be conflicts. A lab session might overlap with a school recital. A sick day at home might fall right before a big exam. These moments can be stressful but can also teach you creativity, adaptability, and resilience.

Strategies That Made it Possible

1. Structured time management: Adopt a strict weekly schedule. This includes designated “study blocks” that aligned with my children’s nap times or school hours, and “family blocks” where my laptop was closed, and my attention was solely on my kids. Block out nonnegotiable family time like you would block out an exam. I used shared digital calendars with my spouse to coordinate responsibilities. Batch similar tasks to reduce mental switching, review notes right after class, prep meals in 1 big session, or handle all emails at once. When unexpected events happened—and they always did—having a plan allowed me to adjust without losing sight of my priorities. Kids and life are unpredictable. The more you can adapt without panicking, the smoother your journey will be.
2. Leveraging support systems: One of the hardest lessons for many parents—myself included—is learning to accept help. I leaned on my spouse, extended family, and close friends for childcare, school pickups, and household tasks. I also explored university resources such as tutoring, mental health services, and student-parent support groups. Accepting help was difficult at first, but I realized it was essential to prevent burnout. Many universities also offer student support services, tutoring, and flexible options for attending events, resources I recommend every student parent explore. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re building a team invested in your success. Asking for help does not make you less capable. It makes you wise.
3. Maintaining mental health: The mental load of balancing motherhood and a rigorous doctoral program can be overwhelming. Juggling 2 demanding roles can leave you feeling stretched thin, so caring for your mental health is not optional. Even 15 to 20 minutes a day dedicated to yourself can make a difference. I made it a rule to dedicate at least 20 minutes daily to my mental well-being. Some days, that meant putting my earphones in listening to a podcast or prayer; other days, a short walk, or simply sitting in my car in silence. The mental load of juggling 2 demanding roles can be overwhelming, so take a moment for yourself. Seeking counseling services through student wellness programs helped me process stress in a healthy way. If you start feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Remember that self-care is not selfish; it’s an investment in your ability to show up fully for both your patients and your children.
4. Setting realistic expectations: I had to let go of the idea of perfection. Some days, my house wasn’t spotless, or I didn’t cook dinner from scratch, and that is OK. My measure of success became progress, not perfection. In pharmacy school and parenting, perfection is a myth. I had to release the idea of being the “perfect” student or the “perfect” mom. The most liberating things are letting go of perfection and giving yourself permission to let go. Success as a parent and a student isn’t about flawless execution; it’s about consistency, effort, and moving forward even when the day doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Words of Encouragement for Every Parent Considering Pharmacy School

If you are a parent considering pharmacy school, know it is possible. Both parenthood and pharmacy school are challenges, and doing both at the same time may feel impossible.

Pharmacy needs diverse voices and experiences, including the perspective of parents who have navigated the journey. If I can do this with 2 children, you can too. You will experience incredible moments of pride when you achieve academic milestones without compromising your role as a parent. Your children will see your perseverance and learn the value of hard work and determination.

It may feel like there is no “perfect” time for pharmacy school because life will always be busy, unpredictable, and demanding. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait to pursue your dream. You don’t have to choose between being a great parent and a successful student when you can be both. While the journey will stretch you in ways you didn’t expect, it will also strengthen you, deepen your resilience, and give your children a front-row seat to what determination looks like.

One day, when you put on that white coat or accept your diploma, you’ll know you didn’t just chase your dream. You lived it, you earned it, and you brought your family along for the ride. Your journey will inspire them. They will learn that dreams are worth pursuing, even when the path is challenging.