Balancing Family Life and Adult Learning 

In this blog we will explore five top tips for balancing family life whilst learning, and how we can help you make it a little bit easier to become the best version of you. 

Walk the dog, get the kids to school, book that doctors appointment, squeeze in a trip to the gym, order the shopping, clean the house, rush to get to work on time AND study? 

1. Create a Structured Schedule  

This is a crucial step in creating a healthy work life balance. Your time is precious so make sure you use it efficiently. Block out specific times for studying and for family time, you’ll need to be strict and set boundaries for this to be successful.  

Communicate with your family about your schedule to let them know when you’re going to be available and when you’ll be busy.  

Having a schedule will guarantee you still have that precious family time without distractions whilst also having dedicated time to complete your studying. 

2. Set Clear Priorities 

This sounds simple but it is a really important step to ensure the mountain of jobs does not overwhelm you. Make sure to set a focus for your dedicated study time.  

Rather than looking at all the tasks your tutor has set, work out which one you need to do first and complete this. Try to ignore distractions such as emails pinging into your inbox or the washing up, these other tasks will be completed, but right now your focus is completing the work you’re focusing on.  

This is also relevant to jobs at home, ensure to prioritise your tasks. Decide what is more important – hoovering the kids’ rooms or ensuring they have clean school uniform? In this case school uniform is the priority, once the wash is on you can run the hoover around. Of course, whilst hoovering, you’ll come across a sock or two that has missed the laundry basket, but you can do all of this once you have completed your studying. 

3. Delegate Tasks 

You do not have to do it all!  

Your family may be able to help you with the jobs around the house. You could consider a cooking or cleaning rota; this will mean the tasks still get completed without you feeling responsible for everything.  

Yes, the jobs may not be completed your way, but it is better than you feeling swamped with housework without enough time in the day to get it all done.  

Maybe you can consider a pocket money incentive for your entrepreneurial teenagers? Or a rewarding star chart for your younger children? 

4. Research Financial Help Whilst You Study 

Let’s face it, a big stress in everyone’s life is money. Dedicating time to learn a new skill can mean that your bank balance takes a hit.  

The good news is that many of our courses can offer help with the costs of childcare, travel to the training centres and equipment for the course.  

Why not explore our financial assistance options? 

5. Be Kind to Yourself  

Be kind to your mind! You’ll be no help to anyone if you do not look after yourself. Make sure you make time to relax and recharge. Staying up late to finish your essay, meaning you are slow and irritable the next day, will not help maintain family relationships. Plus, studying done at 2am will never be your best work.  

During long days make sure to get some fresh air and have some time away from the screen, (or noisy children!). This can immediately help you feel more relaxed and consequently more productive when you return.  

Finally, be prepared to have to adapt your schedule and don’t feel guilty about a change of plan – this is unavoidable. There will always be tomorrow.  

Interested in becoming the best version of you? Find out more about the adult courses we offer and start your journey today.