Going back to college as an adult can be a tough decision, especially when you have a family to take care of. But did you know that a large portion of the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) student population is composed of parents who are raising families while earning college degrees?
Thanks to advancements in technology, the face of education has changed dramatically. Parents are no longer forced to sacrifice their education in order to take care of their family. With the innovative approach to higher education at UAGC, parents can now spend time with their loved ones and attend college at the same time.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how UAGC helps people manage the balancing act of being a parent and a student and provide 25 tips to help you find a better balance between the two. We’ll also hear from actual students who have been able to find success with the UAGC innovative learning format. You might be asking yourself, why go back to college as an adult, let alone as a parent? While there may be a number of challenges you face as a working adult and/or parent returning to school, Forbes finds that more and more professionals need advanced degrees in today’s market:
“Year-over-year changes in postsecondary attainment varied depending on the type of credential counted. The percentage of working-age adults with college degrees increased from 45.7% in 2021 to 46.5% in 2022.”
Given this increase, it makes sense for established professionals, parents or not, to level up their career with additional education. If you are on these types, continue reading for more tips on finding your foothold in the world of not just online learning, but college as a parent.
Let’s start with some of the ways UAGC is making life easier for students who are also parents.
Online Classroom
Being able to log into the online classroom from anywhere, at any time, is one of the many reasons why students with families choose the UAGC online format. This type of accessibility gives students the opportunity to go to school when it is convenient for them and their families.
Having the freedom to spend time with your kids and not worry about missing class is a huge relief to a lot of our students. That’s why UAGC has structured classes so that you’re not overwhelmed with having to plan your entire life around school. You’ll still need to make a commitment to your coursework, but the online classes allow you to be more efficient with your time.
"Beginning my last class for my Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science,” said Michele Atkinson. “I have not missed any activities for my kids and have worked full time, while being an online student.”
Due to the online format, Michele didn’t have to give up spending time with her children in order to earn her degree. Having the freedom to go to school on her schedule helped Michele utilize her time more efficiently and focus on what matters the most to her.
Support System
Making the decision to return to college can be scary when you think you’re all alone. But did you know that the University of Arizona Global Campus has an amazing support team of faculty, staff, and students? They’re more than willing to help every step of the way and are some of the best resources to have while continuing your education.
Even before you enroll, the Admission Specialists at UAGC are here to inform and educate you on every aspect of being an online student. This way you’ll be fully prepared when making the decision on whether or not to return to college.
Additionally, you’ll have the support of your fellow students. Visit any of the UAGC social media channels and you’ll see the camaraderie that lives within our student population. Here's just one of the many examples of the support you’ll receive from your peers at UAGC:
“Congratulations graduates! You did it! I was in your shoes a year ago and I can say it really pays off to have a degree,” said Marcia Coston. “Be proud, feel blessed, and reach for the stars. Hip hip Hooray!”
Determination
Talk with any UAGC student and you’ll find that they share a strong determination to reach their goals. The same goes for parents who are juggling the responsibilities of schoolwork and raising their children.
It’s challenging to raise children while holding down a job and working to rise in the ranks in your profession. Many women feel they have to sacrifice their career goals in order to devote enough time to their family. The keys are to seek balance, feel a sense of purpose in both roles, and stay determined. Having the determination to finish something that you started can have a dramatic effect on your family and how they perceive their lives as well. Many students at the University of Arizona Global Campus are a living testament to this and are showing their children that no matter what happens, if you stay determined, you can accomplish anything.
25 Tips to Help You Balance School and Kids
For many adult learners, there often doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to complete all the tasks at hand. Below are some helpful tips to balance your kids with your textbooks, and eliminate the stress that comes with trying to do it all.
Time Management Strategies
- Make a Schedule: It is best to set a schedule for coursework. Many times, setting a daily or weekly schedule will help you keep all of your tasks on-track. It is often helpful to schedule uninterrupted time each day that is only for coursework. However, you also have to schedule quality family time to spend with your children. Make the time with your children fun by engaging in an activity that the kids and you will both enjoy. Further, block out specific times for classes, studying, childcare, and family activities. Be as specific and detailed as possible. Use digital calendars with alerts to keep track of assignments, exams, and your child's activities. Include buffer time between activities to account for unexpected delays or needs.
- Maximize Your Most Productive Hours: Identify when you focus best and protect that time for challenging coursework. If you're a morning person, wake up early before your children to study. Night owls might find success studying after bedtime routines are complete.
- Use Small Pockets of Time Efficiently: Review notes during your child's nap time, listen to recorded lectures while commuting, or read course materials while waiting at appointments. Even 15-20 minute study sessions can add up significantly over time.
- Create a To-Do-List: Writing a daily to-do list is very helpful in eliminating stress. The most important items should be first on the list and, therefore, they should be completed first. This list may even include items that involve your children. Being able to cross something off the list allows you to feel a sense of achievement as you accomplish your daily goals.
Childcare Solutions
- Build a Reliable Support Network: Connect with family members, friends, or other student parents who can help with childcare during exams or when you need focused study time. Consider forming a childcare co-op with other parent students where you take turns watching each other's children.
- Plan for Sick Days and Emergencies: Have backup childcare arrangements ready for when your regular caregiver is unavailable or when your child is too sick for daycare but you have a looming assignment or exam.
Academic Strategies
- Communicate with Professors Early and Often: Let instructors know about your situation at the beginning of each semester. Most professors are understanding and may offer flexibility with deadlines or attendance policies when emergencies arise.
- Set Attainable Goals: You can eliminate stress by creating reasonable and attainable goals. For example, volunteer at your child’s school for one classroom activity, as opposed to stretching yourself too thin trying to help with every activity. Another goal might be to finish the week’s required reading by a certain day. Create small goals to help you reach the larger goal.
- Choose Your Course Load Wisely: Consider taking fewer classes per semester to maintain quality over quantity. Online or hybrid courses can offer more flexibility, but ensure you have the self-discipline to keep up with coursework.
- Form Study Groups with Classmates: This creates accountability and allows you to learn from others while making efficient use of your limited study time. Some group members might also become part of your support network.
Financial Management
- Research Financial Aid Specifically for Parent Students: Look into grants, scholarships, and programs designed for non-traditional students with families. Various assistance programs can significantly reduce financial stress.
- Consider Part-time Work that Accommodates Your Schedule: Look for jobs with flexible hours, work-from-home opportunities, or other positions that might allow you to study during downtime.
- Budget Carefully and Plan for Childcare Costs: Factor childcare expenses into your education budget from the beginning. Look for ways to reduce other expenses to free up money for essential childcare needs.
Self-Care and Wellness
- Take Study Breaks: Studying can be exhausting, and sometimes a little time away from the books can help restore your energy. Make sure to use that time away to do fun things with your kids, like a quick game of checkers or baking cookies together.
- Accept that Perfection Isn't the Goal: You don't need to be the perfect parent or the perfect student. Focus on doing your best in both roles while being kind to yourself when things don't go as planned.
- Maintain Your Physical and Mental Health: Get adequate sleep when possible, eat nutritious meals, and don't skip medical appointments. Consider counseling services if you're feeling overwhelmed – many colleges offer free mental health support.
- Schedule Downtime for Yourself: Even 30 minutes a week for something you enjoy can help prevent burnout. This might mean reading a book, taking a bath, or calling a friend.
Creating a Supportive Environment
- Ask for Help: Asking for help is sometimes hard, but it is one of the keys to balance. Whether you need help from a professor with coursework or from other family members to help with the kids, asking for it is the first step.
- Involve Your Children in Age-Appropriate Ways: Older children can understand that mommy or daddy has homework too. Create a quiet homework time where everyone in the family works on their respective tasks together.
- Set Up Dedicated Study Spaces: Even if you live in a small space, designate specific areas for schoolwork where you can focus and keep materials organized. This helps create boundaries between family time and study time.
- Connect with other Student Parents: Join groups or online communities for student parents. They understand your unique challenges and can offer practical advice, emotional support, and potential study partnerships.
Long-term Perspective
- Remember Your Why: Keep your end goal in mind during challenging moments. Whether you're pursuing education for career enhancement, personal fulfillment, or to provide a better future for your family, reconnecting with your motivation can help you push through difficult periods.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge when you successfully balance a challenging week, pass a difficult exam, or manage a family crisis while keeping up with coursework. These achievements deserve recognition.
- Plan for Your Career Transition: Start thinking about how your degree will impact your family life post-graduation. Consider internships, networking opportunities, and career services that can support your transition from student parent to working parent.
- Make a Work Space: If you designate a place that is only for coursework, make sure it is a quiet place to study where you can keep all your school materials. Just as your children having their playroom, having your own space for study lets your family know that when you are in this space, you are not to be bothered.
Overview: How to Balance Being a Parent and College
Being a parent and a college student simultaneously is challenging, but thousands of people successfully complete their education while raising families. The key is finding systems and support structures that work for your unique situation, being flexible when plans change, and remembering that this intensive period is temporary but the benefits of your education will last a lifetime.
Students like Leeandra LeBlanc are proof it’s possible to juggle coursework, family, and career.
“Success is not out of reach for anybody,” she says. “There are 70-year-olds graduating, there are 25-year-olds graduating. It can be done. Anybody can do it.”
One thing remains constant; we are extremely proud of the dedication that our students have towards achieving their goals. Having to balance the responsibilities of raising a family and going to college is no easy task, but our students are taking advantage of the innovative opportunities at the University of Arizona Global Campus and continue to inspire us. Keep these tips in mind to help you manage being a parent and a student, which in turn will help you accomplish your education goals.
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Written by University Staff