Making the decision to return to school presents what seems like a million questions. Thinking about it as a parent presents additional complications. It can be tough to navigate the life of a student and the life of a parent. Here are a few things to consider as you make the transition to being both:

1. Be Fair and Realistic with Yourself: You’ve set clear goals related to obtaining your degree. With these goals in mind, what are you willing to forgive yourself for? Where can you bend a little in terms of housekeeping, duties beyond your family and your schoolwork, etc.? Can you limit your work, or overtime hours? Is a part-time degree solution best for the family? Lay out your plan for achieving your goal but be fair with yourself about what can be accomplished on a day-to-day basis with work, family life and school.

2. Communicate the Change: Going back to school will mean a change for your kids too. You’ll need to let them know that it’ll take a team effort and a good deal of understanding from them. You may need help with chores, or for them to do tasks, like their homework, more independently. You may need them to respect their bedtime more, so you can do homework once they’re asleep. They may even need to learn how to perform a new chore or two to provide the extra help for when you are back in school.

3. Planning is your Friend: Time will be hard to come by, but by being organized and planning ahead, you can make the most of the allocated time for certain tasks, clear space for quality time with family, and do what it takes to stay healthy, like, you know, eat and sleep. Set a routine, don’t put off things when you have a spare minute, prepare meals ahead of time. You’ll be glad you did.

4. Seek Support: You’ll need a support system. Everyone does. To get the most out of your experience, actively seek support in all its different forms: financial, academic, social, etc. This includes:

– Financial: Check with your school’s financial aid office and other support organizations to see if grants or scholarships are available. You may have more financial support as a parent returning to school than you initially thought or considered in your budget.

– Academic: Most universities offer support services and programs for adults in college, including career counseling, academic advising, child care, tutoring, and technology courses.

– Social: You probably have a go-to person or network of support. Consider broadening. Let your old faithfuls know you may need them, but also make the effort to meet fellow students. Go to new student orientations, meet people in class and share info so you can have a question answered outside of class as needed.

– Childcare: Make arrangements that are consistent and reliable. You want to be able to have your mind in the classroom, not worried about who will be looking after your children the next time you are in class.

5. Take Care of Yourself: Don’t forget to get good sleep and eat. Often, in a crunch, the impulse is to skimp on sleep or skip a meal. Try to avoid it. You’ll be your best self as a student and a parent if you’re healthy and rested. If you can prepare ahead of time and pre-cook or prepare meals for crunch times, that should help.

We’re here to help if you are thinking about going back to college. Contact us today at (901) 415-2774 or visit us at the Graduate Memphis College Resource Center!
The Graduate Memphis College Resource Center is located in the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN on the first floor.

Center hours are:
Monday – Thursday: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday – Sunday:  1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.