Because getting an online education involves a tremendous amount of time, many people with a family are discouraged when deciding whether to pursue a degree.  They wonder how much of their time will be taken from their families.  If you’re one of the many adults looking to return to college, don’t despair.  Managing your education without sacrificing your family is possible.  It may even help your children get better grades themselves.

1.  SAVE AUDIO FILES TO CDS AND LISTEN TO THEM IN THE CAR.  Many online classes include audio lectures, readings, and tutorials.  Burn these items onto a CD and listen to them while chauffeuring your kids.  Letting the kids watch a DVD while you listen to your homework may even reduce the complaining.  Doing so will integrate your education without forcing you to limit the amount of time you spend with your family.

2.  READ YOUR ASSIGNMENTS WHILE WAITING AT PRACTICES.  Much of your educational reading can be broken into small segments.  Instead of reading all of your homework in one listless session, read segments of your texts while waiting for the kids outside ballet class or in the bleachers at basketball practice.  Reading smaller amounts more frequently will not only allow you to focus on your family, you’ll retain more in the process.

3.  DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND STUDYING WHEN THE KIDS DO THEIRS.  Showing the kids that you take your own homework seriously will help motivate your children to be better students themselves.  Print assignments off of your online classroom and answer them longhand at the kitchen table with the kids.  You can type them up when everyone else is in bed.

4.  ACCESS YOUR ONLINE CLASSROOM WHEN THE FAMILY IS BUSY.  Try to limit your time in your online classroom until the kids and your spouse are in bed or engrossed in other activities.  While your son plays football with a friend and your spouse watches the news, grab a few minutes to post on the online discussion board.  Not busying yourself online while the family is together will reduce time lost with them.

5.  FOLLOW THE SAME HOMEWORK RULES YOU SET FOR THE KIDS.  Working on your education can be a great time to reinforce the homework and study rules you’ve set for the kids.  If you’ve established that the TV has to be off while the kids study, follow the same rule yourself.  If they can’t have friends over until they finish their homework, put off your girl’s group until you’ve completed your literature paper.  Following the same rules your kids do will illustrate that your rules are not arbitrary.

A little time management will go a long way when managing your family and your online education.  Don’t forget, you’re being a tremendous motivator to your kids by pursuing your own education.  These five suggestions will help you stay close to your family while achieving your degree.

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