Student Success
ACT 101
Online Workshops
Balancing Family, School, and Work Responsibilities
Are home, school, or work responsibilities getting you down? Do you feel overwhelmed by your obligations? Students often feel overwhelmed by their home, school and work responsibilities. The following are some tips to help keep your life balanced while you handle all your commitments and obligations.
Helpful Hints
At Home
- Organize your school materials and clothes the night before so that your mornings run smoothly.
- If you have young children, do your research. When it comes to child care be sure to visit several facilities and make a checklist of qualities that are important for you to have in a center. In addition, make alternative child care arrangements for any illnesses your child may experience during the semester.
- Check your child's day care and /or school calendar against your own. This way you will be prepared for any scheduling conflicts.
- If your children are old enough, sit down with them and discuss your new endeavor. Enlist their help in making it a successful transition for your whole family.
- Schedule family meetings on a weekly basis . Give each member a chance to express his concerns as well as talk about the positive events in his life. Brainstorm ways to solve problems.
- Try to spend some time every week alone with each of your children. This will not only help you to maintain a healthy relationship, but will allow you to head off potential problem areas.
- Model the behaviors you want your children to exhibit. Children learn so much more from what we do than what we tell them to do.
- Find age appropriate tasks and chores for your children. Post each family member's jobs to avoid confusion. All family members need to share in the household chores.
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Post a large calendar where family members can write
down their commitments and activities. This will help avoid conflicts and
keep everyone aware of upcoming events.
- Make a weekly plan for shopping, cleaning, and laundry.
- When possible plan and prepare meals ahead of time.
- Leave thoughtful notes and messages for your spouse, children, or roommates when they are helpful or understanding. Let them know they are appreciated.
- Delegate tasks to others when appropriate.
- Make your expectations clear. You may want to hold several family meetings to discuss the "division of labor" in your home.
- Set aside an area at home where you can keep all of your school supplies and materials in an organized manner.
- Explain to family members that during exams periods you may require extra help.
At School
- Brainstorm with friends or ACT 101 staff members about ways to solve difficult or persistent problems.
- Look to other students as role models. Ask them for suggestions on ways to make your life easier.
- Join a club or on-campus activity. This will help you feel more connected to the MCCC community.
- Have lunch or study in the ACT 101 complex. The friendly atmosphere will lift your spirits and keep you motivated.
- Use small amounts of time productively.
- Study and do homework on-campus if you are often distracted at home.
At Work
- Find a job with flexible hours.
- Keep your work and school schedule balanced. If you work full-time, see an ACT 101 staff person, advisor, or counselor for assistance with scheduling courses.
- To avoid scheduling conflicts, provide your employer with your hours of availability at the beginning of each semester.
- Schedule a day off in advance, rather than calling out, if you anticipate that you'll need extra time to study or to work on a project.
Remember, no matter what you're doing ...
- Have realistic expectations for yourself. No one can do it all.
- Find ways to keep your stress level under control.
- Make sure you plan time for fun and relaxation!
- Maintain your sense of humor; you'll need it!
