Adult Education: 4 Tips for Parents Who Are Going Back to School by Rhiannon Bowden

Going back to school as an adult can be scary. When you have children, it may seem impossible. Here are tips to keep it together for parents who are in school again:

• Space: Designate a space for school work for you and your children. In my house, the dining room table is my space for homework. Since my children are still too small (4 and 21 months) to sit at the table, they have a table just their size for them to do their “homework.”

• Class Nights: Have easy dinner plans – quick meals, slow-cooker meals or pick-up meals. If you have class online, have a quick meal to limit the kitchen noise in the background. If you are leaving your kids with your partner or a babysitter, make it easy.

• Time Management: If you can wait until your kids go to sleep, make it a routine. Kids' bedtime then study, or alternate bedtime routines with your partner. One night you read and tuck in, and the next, they do it while you study.

• Speak Up: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or tell your partner you have work to do. Ask him/her to watch the kids or take them for a walk so you can work. The car wash is a great excuse to get the kids and your partner out of the house. My kids love to help vacuum at the car wash. That will buy you some alone time to work!

Have any tips for adults who have gone back to school? Share them below!