“Chaos Unleashed: How a Mom’s Bold College Visit with Her Toddler Ignited a Controversy!”
The student, clearly still super frustrated, reiterated that the context and setting is important. “If I was at my job when I taught babies to 12-year-olds how to swim? Obviously that is not appropriate and I would be in the wrong,” he told us. “Nobody wants to be a d*ck to you or your kid, but you force people’s hand when you act entitled like this lady did.”
His final words before returning to his books: “College is not a place for your kid unless specified otherwise. Its disrespectful.”
“Sitting still for even 10–15 minutes is a stretch for many toddlers”: an expert weighs in
It’s not developmentally realistic to expect a 3-year-old to sit still and stay quiet for long periods. That’s according to parenting coach and founder of The Peaceful Parent, Lisa Smith. She says very young children are wired to move, explore, and make noise—it’s how they learn and process the world.
“Sitting still for even 10–15 minutes is a stretch for many toddlers,” Smith told Bored Panda during our interview. “Expecting silence and stillness in an adult-centered environment like a classroom sets both the child and the parent up for frustration. It’s not bad behavior—it’s a sign that the child is being asked to meet adult expectations they aren’t yet neurologically or emotionally capable of fulfilling.”
When childcare isn’t available, it’s about creatively managing a nearly impossible situation, says Smith. “One option is collaborating with other student parents to create a rotating care network. Colleges can also play a huge role here—offering on-campus childcare, kid-friendly study spaces, or remote learning options.”
The expert says there might be times a mom has to bring her child to class. In this case, she believes the community should meet her with empathy, not judgment. “That child isn’t a distraction—they’re evidence of a mom doing everything in her power to build a better life,” the expert said. “Support can look like offering help, not eye-rolls.”
Smith says it’s normal for little children to run around. And it’s not just a case of burning off energy. “Kids running wild are often signaling unmet needs. Movement is one, but so is emotional release, sensory input, or connection,” she told us. “A child who’s been cooped up, overstimulated, or ignored might express that through big, loud, physical play. The answer isn’t always discipline—it’s prevention.”
The parenting coach says it’s important to make sure little ones have time to move, space to feel, and opportunities to connect. “They’re not ‘naughty’—they’re human,” she says, “With a nervous system that’s still under construction.”
Research shows that only 8% of single mothers who attend a community college will graduate
Deciding to attend college as a young single mom is a big step. But many women are brave enough to do it. Research shows that 21% of women in community college are single mothers, compared with 7 percent of women in four-year institutions.
Unfortunately, the stats also reveal that, despite their best intentions, most single moms won’t leave with a degree in hand. They face many obstacles and often get little support. Finances to fund their studies is an obvious one.
Money doesn’t grow on trees, as some kids would like to believe. And many moms not only have to pay their way through college, but also support themselves and their child or children. Some must also pay their children’s school fees. This might mean taking on several jobs, sacrificing time and sleep, or getting into debt.
Then there’s the issue of childcare. Young children require constant supervision, and this often means paying someone to look after the kid(s) while mom is at work or in school. Some colleges provide childcare on campus; some don’t.
“Instructors themselves can help lessen this challenge for their students by making accommodations and modifications for parents that allow them to juggle their parenting duties and their coursework,” notes Study.com. “Examples include allowing children in the class and developing family-friendly syllabus policies.” But of course, that won’t always work for the child-free students in class, especially when the children are loud or disruptive. Hence, the man’s online rant.
How to manage working or studying as a single mom
As the guy rightfully noted, online classes are an option. Many higher education institutions offer courses and degree programs that you don’t have to attend in-person. “These are the best choice for single parents (as long as they are accredited), because they allow the ultimate flexibility,” notes Study.com. “More importantly, online courses and programs allow single parents to learn at home and access all their course materials online. This saves money by avoiding food, supplies, parking, and gas costs.”
The site adds that course materials are also likely to be cheaper because they are in e-book format. “While online learning is not for everyone, single parents who thrive online have the added bonus of networking with other single parents,” reads the site.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
