Making Back-To-School A Family Affair

1. Enlist The Help Of Your Family

Trying to do it all will leave you feeling burned out fairly quickly. Going back to school is a good time to get creative with your domestic duties. Make a list (your list should include a task, with a brief description as to what must be done, and when it should be done by) and start dividing it up. (See Kristen's Guide for a good weekly chore checklist.)

Each week, have someone new in charge of ensuring that all chores get done—including the gentle reminders for everyone to do their part! Ignore the guilt you may feel (or the whining you may hear) as you assign household duties to all family members. Your higher education will benefit the entire family and everyone needs to help make it possible.

Also, don’t forget about asking for help from your extended family. While they may not be willing to come over and do your laundry, they may not mind helping out by running some of your errands or entertaining your children for a few hours. Life will be busy for this relatively short period of time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

2. Let Your Children Play the Teacher

Kids love to role play and they may even get a kick out of pretending to be your teacher. Make up "flash cards" containing information you are trying to memorize. Get the kids involved by having them quiz you when you are preparing dinner or folding the laundry.

An added bonus is that they may even learn a thing or two in the process. At the very least they will see that you are learning and your time studying is paying off.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Your family may know that you are going back to school, but they may not understand what this means for them. Have a family meeting explaining the realistic changes and expectations for everyone’s support. (Use these talking points that we've drafted.) Be sure to address any concerns your family members may have and agree to have another meeting a few months later to reassess.

4. Schedule Family Study Time

Turn family TV time into family study time. Designate a set time for the entire family to use for something educational. School-aged children can work on their homework while you work on yours. Your spouse can assist them or read quietly. Need a recommendation for a good book? Check out the American Library Association's recommended reading lists.

Younger children can color, work on a puzzle, or flip through a book. Everyone will benefit from the quiet and lack of distractions while focusing on the task at hand.

5. Enjoy The Natural Breaks That Kids Encourage

All work and no play will not make you more productive. You need to have time away from the computer and your children need time with you. Because of their short attention span and their need to laugh and play, kids encourage natural breaks. So when they come to you asking to read a story or begging to play a game, don’t automatically say no.

If you have been working for a while now may be a great time to take a little break. Enjoy this short period of time and don’t fret about everything you still have to do. Your schoolwork will be waiting for you and you may even feel refreshed.

6. Keep An Eye On The Prize

Most distance learners are looking forward to lifestyle improvements that come with a college degree. Bigger paychecks, greater benefits, better hours and working conditions are likely perks awaiting you when you complete your degree. What are some of the ways you and your famly will enjoy these advantages?

• Will you get a bigger house?
• Will you now have the time and money for family vacations?
• Will you be able to quit your second job and just enjoy more time as a family?

A picture is worth a thousand words. When you have a Goal Board you won’t need to constantly remind your family of the mutual benefits of your higher education. Cut out pictures that represent these dreams that will become a reality when you complete your education. Glue them to a large poster board and make this your Goal Board. Keep this board in a central location to help your entire family keep an eye on the prize.

7. Set Up A Reward System

Dreaming about the long-term benefits helps to keep things in perspective, but setting up a reward system can assist with the day-to-day difficulties. You are working hard and the rest of the family is pitching in. Therefore, you all need little rewards along the way to keep you going.

Did your spouse clean the house this week so you could focus on your test? A night out to the movies may be a great way to show your appreciation. Did your kids allow you those two hours to study in peace and quiet like you requested? An outing at the park may be a fun way to thank them.

You’re working hard too, so don’t forget to treat yourself. A family bike ride can be a great way to unwind after completing that paper. Also, it may seem easier to simply purchase an item as a reward, but nothing beats spending some quality time together.