Attending college full- or part-time, working, and caring for your family can be overwhelming.  Following are some tips from counselors and other students to help you through.

• Pull Yourself From Your Pillow at Least 1-1/2 Hrs Prior to Leaving Home
• A few more minutes added to your morning preparation time can prevent frantic dressing, no breakfast and forgotten tasks that need to be done before leaving.

  Plan Ahead:

• Plan menus in advance (be sure to include kids in planning)
• If your children are mature enough, have them make their lunches
• Encourage partner to share in morning and evening tasks
• It may be psychological, but having your clocks and watches set 5 to 10 minutes ahead can keep you on schedule.

  Ease the Transition from Classes to Home

• Give yourself a rest period when you come home (even if it’s 15 minutes) to mark the end of the workday and the beginning of the family evening; change your clothes to mark this transition.
• Discuss with your partner how to allow you both time to unwind while giving the kids the attention they need (consider taking shifts with the kids).

  For Single Parents:

• Develop a support system (relatives, friends, groups).  
• Arrange a “kiddie’s exchange” with friends, where you watch someone else’s kids for awhile in exchange for time off in return.
• Gather names of reliable baby-sitters in your neighborhood from neighbors or local organizations that offer baby-sitting classes and certification.

  For All Parents:

• Make time for yourself.  If you keep time for yourself out of each day, you are more likely to be a better parent and a better student.
• Make lists of what you need to accomplish each day, but don’t get frustrated if some things don’t get done.
• Make contingency plans for emergencies, such as a child or caregiver becoming ill on the day of a big exam.
• Think positively and reward yourself--even for small accomplishments.
• Always remember the goal you’re working toward, but don’t forget the people and things in your life that matter now.

Be flexible.  Find unplanned time for chores and fun when the opportunity arises.