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It’s no secret that online college offers flexibility that busy adults need to succeed in a degree program. However, taking courses in your spare time is often easier in theory than in practice. The demands of family and college can sometimes be overwhelming. Here are 5 strategies you can employ to balance your familial and academic responsibilities while attending college.
1. Set aside a specific time to study. When students begin online college, many of them have unrealistic expectations about what “flexibility” means as it pertains to their studies. While you won’t be required to go to classes at a specific time, you’ll still be responsible for taking submitting work, taking tests, and meeting deadlines. It’s best to set aside time to study when you’re most productive. If you put study time last in your day, you may be too tired to be productive. Instead, rearrange your schedule–free from distractions–to get uninterrupted study time.
2. Learn to say “no.” It’s a fact. You’ll have to “train” family and friends so you can study. If you’ve always been a “yes” person, you’ll need to practice saying “no” from time to time. At first, your loved ones may not understand your need to isolate and focus on your studies when you could be spending time with them, but explain to them what earning your degree means to you and the short-term sacrifices you’ll have to make to meet that goal. Schedule time to study and time to have fun. For children, set a timer and tell them that you’ll spend time with them when the timer sounds. Until then, they must let you study. This approach is particularly helpful for younger children.
3. Make meals ahead of time. It may be simpler to make meals ahead of time and freeze them for future use. Use weekends to prepare meals that you can heat and eat during the week. That way, you won’t feel as frazzled as you work, study, and tend to your family. You may also want to reward the family after you’ve finished a test or major project. Tell the kids that you’ll see a movie or get ice cream if they let you study for a test or complete a major project.
4. Play “school” with the kids. This is where the fun begins. Get your children involved in study time. Let them quiz you from your books and notes. You might even let them create tests for you to take. Kids get a kick out of seeing their parents in the role of student. Also, schedule a family study time where everyone does homework together. If you can involve your family, they’re more likely to respect your time when you need to shut the door and hit the books.
5. Take frequent breaks. After each hour of study time, take a short break. The mind is not designed to cram information during an extended period of time. By taking frequent breaks, you’ll retain the information more effectively and not become a study hermit.
Making the transition to online college student takes a little trial and error. However, by employing a few simple strategies, you will be able to balance family life with school life.
