Being a "PhD mom" entails a challenging juggling act, as it involves managing the demands of both parenting and advanced academic work. This includes coping with the intense pressure and workload of a PhD program, which can have an impact on one's mental and physical well-being, especially when combined with the responsibilities of parenthood.

Both Mrs. Fitri and Mrs. Halida have their own motivations for pursuing a PhD degree. For Mrs. Fitri, a mother with higher education possesses a broader mindset and tends to be wiser when educating her children. After all, a mother is her child's first teacher. Furthermore, aligning with her current profession as a lecturer, her aspiration is to achieve the highest position in academia, becoming a Professor who can provide wider benefits in the future. On the other hand, for Mrs. Halida, the desire to attain the highest academic degree drives her despite the various challenges she faces.

Both Mrs. Fitri and Mrs. Halida acknowledge that time management is one of the primary challenges for PhD moms. Balancing the demands of parenting and academic work can be arduous since both require a significant amount of time and energy. They must meticulously manage their time to ensure the completion of their work while meeting the needs of their children. This may involve finding ways to utilize their children's schedules, such as studying or conducting research during nap time or after their kids have gone to bed.

Despite these challenges, Mrs. Fitri and Mrs. Halida discover ways to navigate their PhD studies while also being exemplary parents. This can involve establishing a support system, particularly with their husbands. They can share household responsibilities, which proves helpful when a child falls ill while the mother must continue her PhD tasks. Husbands also serve as a significant source of motivation when wives feel exhausted and encounter difficulties in the laboratory during experiments.

According to Mrs. Fitri, it is not uncommon to experience fatigue and weariness from studying, but upon returning home, all tiredness dissipates as we are always greeted by the amusing antics and warm hugs of our children. And when we need a listening ear, our husbands are the most reliable and trusted individuals. On the other hand, Mrs. Halida occasionally brings her child to the campus when conducting experiments outside study hours since the campus provides a safe space for children to play, run around, and have fun. According to her, this presents a valuable opportunity to introduce her child to resilience, perseverance, happiness, and a love for knowledge. Thus, during their formative years, children can grow and develop in an environment brimming with a passion for science.

In conclusion, Mrs. Fitri and Mrs. Halida extend their advice to fellow mommies out there aspiring to pursue a PhD. They emphasize the importance of cultivating a strong mindset and seeking the support and blessings of their husbands. They encourage continuous dedication as long as there is a chance, good health, and youthfulness. Additionally, they stress the significance of carefully planning both the study process and the growth and development of their children.

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