Raising a family takes up a lot of your time and resources — and, of course, it’s one of your most worthwhile pursuits. It may seem nearly impossible if you’d like to continue your education while caring for your loved ones.
You aren’t alone, though. Statistics show that about 20% of people in college are parents. Like all ventures worth it, you can pursue a degree and raise a family with some planning and hard work.
Set Your Goals
Your first step is deciding what you want to accomplish. Think about the reasons you wish to continue your education. They may include the following:
- You want to increase your earning potential.
- You want to avoid unemployment.
- A career change is in your future.
- Setting an example for your children is a priority.
When you know your reasons for going to school, they become your North Star. They help you through tough times and keep you focused on the big picture.
Make Time Management a Priority
Your family still needs you, even when you have an upcoming test on the finer points of M3DB or need to go to the library for research. If you have a job, you have work responsibilities, too.
Your time management skills are critical when you’re pursuing an education. Plan your week ahead of time and stick to your guns as much as possible. Keep these tips in mind:
- Make a to-do list and decide the priorities on it.
- Finish some small tasks to increase your motivation.
- Identify your time-wasters and avoid them during dedicated study or family time.
- Give yourself a break and make time to relax.
Set Boundaries
You can teach your children about respecting boundaries by setting some for yourself. Make sure your children understand you need time to focus on school. If you have school-aged children, this lesson can also carry over to their study time.
Set specific hours or days when you tell your family you need to work undisturbed. If your children have homework, you can combine your study hours with theirs and get some extra family time. Maybe they can quiz you on some points before your test, and you can help them write their book report.
Ask for Help
Raising children while going to college can be challenging. You can’t do it alone. Don’t be shy about asking for help when you need it. Consider the following ideas:
- Give them a specific task if you have family and friends who offer help. See if a relative can pick up the kids from school while you work on a group project. Try a meal swap with some of your friends.
- Check with your school’s academic support resources. Take advantage of tutors, research librarians and writing centers.
- Research child-care grants at Benefits.gov to see if you can get financial assistance while in school.
- Ask a friend to babysit when you have a big assignment and offer to reciprocate.
Participate in Family Activities at School
Some universities offer family-friendly outings or get-togethers for students and families. They may include a day at the zoo or ball field, picnic lunches on campus, or family fairs. Bring your family to these activities for a chance to network with others. These activities also give your children and spouse an opportunity to see the campus and become invested in this very important part of your life.
If your school doesn’t offer these events or if you can’t attend, consider taking your family on a walk around campus. It allows your children to see where you go to school and the buildings where you attend classes. A picnic lunch or bike ride around the school grounds can be a fun family activity.
There’s no need to sugarcoat the facts — going to school while raising a family isn’t easy. It is possible, though. Plan ahead when you can, and anticipate some bumps along the way. The results are worth the effort.
