Finding Time for Homework Without Sacrificing Family Time

Let's face it: homework can be enough of a challenge on its own. However, when you combine your coursework with finding time to spend time with your family, things can become even more complicated. Finding a healthy balance between family time and school time is vital to your ultimate success. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to make time for your homework when you have kids. Let Them Help! Who says doing your homework and spending time with your kids have to be mutually exclusive activities? Try killing two birds with one stone by letting your kids "help" you with your homework. This is a great way to bond with your children while still getting some studying done. For example, if you have an exam coming up that you need to memorize terminology for, why not let your kids make up some note cards for you? They can copy the definitions from your textbook's glossary and even quiz you on the terms. Make studying even more fun by brainstorming ways to remember terms and definitions with your kids (mnemonic devices can be a good way to do this)! Ask for Help There are going to be days when juggling school and family time is going to seem impossible. You may find yourself wanting to rip your hair out as your children nag you while you're trying to study. This is exactly why it's so important to ask for help when you need it. If your partner is around while you're trying to get your homework done, consider asking him or her to take the kids to the park or otherwise keep them occupied until you're done with your school work. Or, consider asking another family member or close friend to help. You may also want to consider finding a quiet place away from the home where you can get your homework done and focus on your studies. If this means getting up an hour early so you can grab a cup of coffee and knock out some studying at your favorite cafe, then so be it. Whatever works is what you need to do. It might seem hard now, but it'll pay off in the long run. Motivate Yourself with "Together Time" While studying and doing your homework is important, it's also important that you don't lose sight of why you're pursuing a college degree in the first place. More than likely, you're doing this for your family, right? If this is the case, it's important to remind yourself of this from time to time. Sometimes, the best way to do this is to simply take some "together time" with your kids, even if it means spending a little less time studying one day a week. By spending time with your family, you'll further motivate yourself to do well in school. Plus, your kids will appreciate and cherish that time you spend together. Balancing school and family time can be a real juggling act, but the good news is that there are all kinds of effective strategies you can try to make things easier on you and your children. Be sure to give these methods a try as you work your way through your degree program, and good luck!