Balancing School While Your Kids Are on Summer Break
You’re finally in the groove of things; you’ve figured out the perfect schedule that balances family, work and school. Then, BOOM! Summer vacation arrives and your kids need additional attention and childcare. Here are some tips to help you stay on the right path to advancing your education and keeping a happy family.
Set a Weekly Schedule: Take 30 to 45 minutes at the beginning of each week to organize your weekly tasks. What do you want to accomplish this week? What do you have time to accomplish this week? Outline some possible times throughout the week where you could hit the books.
Rely on help: If help is available, use it. Too many times people refuse to ask for help or decline it when they need it. Always take advantage of your available resources, whether that means occasionally hiring a babysitter or asking your instructors for some extra support.
Look for overlap: It is always going to be difficult to balance work, school and family life, but these sectors of your life can benefit each other at times. Try to incorporate something you have learned from school in your office. Maybe you can practice presentations in front of your family to make sure they are engaging.
Stay Healthy: With all the wear and tear that you put on your body trying to juggle multiple tasks, it is important that you take care of your body. Make sure you make time for exercise and get plenty of rest. A few unproductive sick days will only make it harder to stay on schedule.
Spend time with your kids: Often we find ourselves so busy in the school year with work, the kids’ school schedules, and extracurricular activities, that we don’t find the time to enjoy “family moments.” It’s important that you don’t become too busy to not cherish those special occasions with your family.
