It is time to go Back to School. Some parents may enjoy this time of the year more than any other. I've heard many people say that they will be happy to have the house quiet again.
School being back in session can also mean a more stressful time, especially if you yourself are an adult student. Between balancing the children's school schedule, activities, parent teacher conferences, your full-time job, and taking classes toward your degree there may seem to be no time to get it all done.
Here are some tips for managing your time as a family:
Prepare-- Try to plan ahead as much as possible. Pack lunches, and iron the next day's clothing at night. That way there will be less rushing around in the morning.
Schedule all activities, including your own homework deadlines, on a calendar. If you keep all scheduled dates and times with you, it makes it less likely that something will slip your mind. Program the really important, non-recurring items into your phone. This way you will get a reminder that something is due, or you should be somewhere.
Study Together-- Being in school doesn't mean that you can't spend time together as a family. Make homework time a group activity. When your children sit down to do their homework, you can sit down to do yours as well.
Take a Book-- Most parents spend a lot of their free time driving their children to various extracurricular activities. Make the most of your time by keeping a textbook or lecture notes with you. You can get a lot accomplished in an hour so give it a try.
What are some other ways you balance being in school and being a parent?
