Your Family and Going Back to School

For adults that have been away from school for several years, going back to college is a commitment not just for yourself, but for your entire family. Every member of the family will be impacted by your return to college. It is important to assess how each family member will be affected by your decision to pursue a higher education, and to let your family know that you need their support during this transition in your life. The earlier you have this conversation the better in terms of getting buy-in and gaining understanding of how each member of your family feels about this very important decision.

There are several fun ways in which you can get the family involved in your college education.

For starters:

1. Do not try to do everything around the house yourself. Get your family involved in chores, even if it means drafting up a weekly chore list for each family member. See if your extended family is willing to help out with the little things like errand running and/or babysitting to help give you some extra spare time for the next few years. Remember that your degree is an investment for your family's future, so your family should participate in making it as smooth as possible!

2. Let your kids or your spouse play teacher. Children love participating with their parents in activities, and if they get to take on the role of "teacher" for their college-bound parent, that's all the more joy to play-pretend. You can make flash cards that you and your children can use for interactive learning.

3. Turn family television time into family study time. School-aged children can finish their homework while you are finishing yours. Your spouse can assist the children or read. Younger children can be given coloring books as part of family study.

4. When it comes to your children, enjoy the time you spend with them and look at the time like a much deserved break from studying. When a young child asks you to read to or play a game with them, this is a good opportunity to take a breather from your homework or distance learning classroom.

If your family and loved ones support your educational goals, you will ultimately perform better than if they are not backing up your college commitment. Your educational life will run smoothly if your family is on-board for the little things that will add up, like meal preparation, chores, and guaranteed study/quiet time. Get the family involved. And get them involved as early as possible.