Juggling College and Kids
Many students take the traditional approach of attending college during their late teens and early twenties. Some of us, however, begin our college career (or return to finish a degree) at a later time. Often, this means studying and completing schoolwork while at the same time caring for a family. There are a few tips that can help you transition through this challenging time.
Inarguably, online classes afford the most flexibility when you have children to care for since the instruction is done from the computer and you can study and test from home. The great thing about online classes is that you don’t have to scramble to find someone to watch children or worry about being late for classes due to a sleeping child or conflicting school schedules. Usually you can pick an optimal time (during child’s nap for instance) to log on and complete your work or take your tests.
Another helpful tip is to engage the children in your study habits. I had a very difficult course when I first returned back to college after a fourteen year hiatus, and I was nervous about studying and taking tests again. My husband and children often quizzed me in the living room and the kids enjoyed watching mom do course work for a change. We also had “homework hour” for all of us which encouraged them to do their homework while I was doing mine.
I discovered that I was most effective at both parenting and completing my course work when I took on no more than two classes per semester. This is particularly true if you are working as well. Naturally, everyone is different and some students flourish under massive amounts of work, but in speaking with other online participants who were parents as well, it was clear that the two-course workload was optimal for success in all areas.
College is challenging enough, and when you add kids and perhaps work also, it can be a daunting. By pacing yourself, including the kids in your study and taking advantage of online options you can “do it all”. Of course, never expect perfection in any area and factor in the occasional moment when the kids are running around screaming while you’re trying to study or take a quiz, or even missing a quiz here or there due to a sick child. We’ve all been there. It’s okay, and you’ll get through it and soon have that degree. And, when you walk across the stage after waiting so long and working so hard, your kids will be there to witness your moment. The moment will be yours, but your family will feel a great sense of pride over your achievement. It will be a great inspiration for them to pursue their degree, more than any words can say.