One of the biggest questions and frustrations students with kids have is how to find the time to study. It can be so hard to get anything done when you've got little ones who rely on you to take care of them or even big kids who are busy with lots of activities. I wrote an article on this subject awhile back, and you can read it here
In addition to the tips I gave back then, I'd also recommend that you:
Build It In
You can do this by scheduling empty periods of time into your academic schedule. Adding an extra period or two in between classes gives you time on campus to devote to studying because we all know it becomes more difficult to dedicate the time when you get home. This is a the best way I know of to increase your study time and to make your life as an adult student easier.
Sneak It In
You'll have to get creative with finding time to study. I know lots of people who have used any small windows of time during the day to read a chapter or review their notes. If your older kid is at karate practice, you may want to take that hour and sit in your car or at a nearby coffee shop and study. I have a good friends who sneaks in writing time while her small children are taking their bath. She sits in the bathroom beside them and scribbles ideas for her writing. Another recommendation I've heard is to use time waiting for doctor's or service appointments to squeeze in some study time.
Schedule It In
Another suggestion I have is to add specific time into your schedule each day for studying. Write it in your calendar or planner. You'll learn lots of time management techniques as you go along or if you take a study skills course. One tip is to add important activities like studying to your planner. Treat it as part of your day or act as though studying is your job, and you'll find it becomes a natural part of your everyday routine.
Do you have any study tips you'd like to recommend? What works for you?
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