Studying From Home When You have Kids: Making It Work

The very thought of studying when you have children can be a daunting prospect. Unless you have a fantastic support system or full time nanny, returning to school may appear to be an impossible dream. However starting a family can lead you to reassess what’s important in your life, and many parents find themselves yearning for the perfect work-life balance. Starting a family also brings along major financial responsibilities. All these thoughts may lead a person to reconsider returning to school or further their education by taking online classes, which in turn can offer them better employment prospects, job flexibility and financial gain.  For example, if you work in retail and distribution, to move forward in your career you could consider embarking on an online masters in supply chain management program.

​If you have found yourself wondering if it's possible to study with your children about, read on to find out what we suggest you do.

Studying From Home When You have Kids: Making It Work

Understand The Challenges

​Studying from home while raising kids can be demanding and overwhelming. It requires parents to find a delicate balance between their academic pursuits and parental responsibilities. Some of the challenges parents may face include:

• Limited personal space and privacy.
• Distractions from children's activities and needs.
• Difficulty in focusing and staying motivated.
• Time constraints due to parenting duties.
• The need to manage household chores alongside studying.

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Create A Supportive Environment

To make studying from home a success, it is crucial to create a supportive environment. Here are some tips to achieve that:

• Designate a quiet study area where you can concentrate without disruptions.
• Set boundaries with your children, explaining when you need uninterrupted study time.
• Inform your family members about your study schedule, so they can respect your dedicated time.
• Organize your study materials and keep them easily accessible.​

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Establish A Routine

Creating a structured routine is essential when studying from home with kids. Consider the following suggestions:

• Plan a daily schedule that accommodates your study time and your children's needs.
• Allocate specific time slots for studying, breaks, and quality time with your kids.
• Stick to the routine as much as possible to establish a sense of stability and consistency.​

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Effective Time Management

​Managing time efficiently is crucial to make the most of your study sessions. Here are some time management strategies:

• Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals for each study session.
• Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable segments.
• Utilize productivity techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to enhance focus and productivity.

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• Ten Ways To Work From Home Without Losing Your Sanity
• ​10 Simple Steps To A Happy, Healthy Family

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Utilize Technology

​Technology can be a valuable tool when studying from home. Consider the following ways to leverage technology:

• Use online learning platforms and resources tailored to your course or program.  Our personal favorite is Hubspot Academy, which offers totally free online certification courses in a variety of subjects.
• Explore educational apps and software that can enhance your learning experience.
• Utilize video conferencing tools like Zoom or Teams to participate in virtual study groups or connect with classmates.

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Engage Your Kids In The Learning Process

​Involving your kids in your learning journey can foster a positive and supportive atmosphere. Here's how:

• Share your educational goals with your children and explain why studying is important.
• Encourage your kids to pursue their own learning activities while you study.
• Discuss your studies with them, explaining concepts in an age-appropriate manner.

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Set Realistic Goals

​Setting realistic goals is crucial to manage your time and expectations effectively. Consider the following tips:

• Break down your academic goals into short-term and long-term objectives.
• Ensure your goals align with your available study time and parental responsibilities.
• Celebrate achievements along the way to stay motivated.

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Seek Support From Family And Friends

Don't hesitate to reach out for support from your loved ones. Here's how they can help:

• Ask your partner or family members to take on some parenting duties during your study sessions.
• Seek assistance with household chores or meal preparations to free up more time for studying.
• Discuss your challenges and concerns with friends who may have experienced a similar situation.

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Self-Care And Well-being

​Taking care of yourself is essential to maintain a healthy work-life-study balance. Remember these self-care tips:

• Prioritize sleep and ensure you get enough restful hours each night.
• Engage in regular physical activity to reduce stress and boost your energy levels.
• Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to manage stress and improve focus.

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Balancing Work, Study And Parenting

​If you're juggling work, study, and parenting responsibilities, consider these suggestions:

• Communicate openly with your employer about your situation and explore flexible work options if available.
• Seek ways to integrate your work tasks with your study sessions when possible.
• Delegate tasks or consider hiring help for certain household responsibilities to create more time for your priorities.

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Flexibility And Adaptability

​Flexibility and adaptability are key when studying from home with kids. Embrace these principles:

• Accept that not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay.
• Be open to adjusting your study schedule as needed to accommodate unexpected situations.
• Embrace the ability to adapt to changes and find alternative study strategies when necessary.

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Celebrate Small Victories

​Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. It will keep you motivated. Consider these ideas:

• Reward yourself after completing challenging tasks or reaching milestones.
• Share your achievements with your support network, who can offer encouragement and celebrate with you.

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Deal With Distractions

​Distractions can hinder your focus while studying from home. Try these techniques to minimize distractions:

• Put away your phone or use apps that block distracting notifications.
• Use noise-canceling headphones or listen to instrumental music to create a conducive study environment.
• Communicate with your children about your need for focus and establish boundaries.

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Maintain Communication With Instructors

​Staying in touch with your instructors is crucial when studying remotely. Here's how to maintain communication:

• Regularly check your emails and online learning platforms for updates and announcements.
• Reach out to your instructors if you have questions or need clarification.
• Participate actively in online discussions or virtual office hours to stay engaged with the course material.

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Studying from home when you have kids is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, it can be a rewarding experience. By understanding the challenges, creating a supportive environment, managing your time effectively, and seeking support when needed, you can successfully balance your academic aspirations and parental responsibilities.

For more great tips on studying, check out this infographic, brought to you by collegeexpress.com: