Education is not just for kids!  Adults are joining the quest for higher education today more than ever.  Some adults choose to attend college or higher learning training if they never moved beyond their high school education.  There are other adults who may not have completed degree and decide that now is the time to do it.  And of course, some adults simply want to further their education.  They decide to use their Associate’s Degree to go on and earn a Bachelor’s Degree or to obtain a Graduate Degree.  However, balancing family, work and an education is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. 

It may be a difficult challenge, but it is certainly worth the hard work to further your education, even as an adult.  No matter what the ages of your children, you can attend college and other post high school training.  Many employers will pay for your tuition or pay a significant portion of your tuition if you continue your education.  In many cases, employers are willing to do this if you intend to use your new education for the benefit of your place of employment.   

Sometimes an employer will offer you a leave of absence so that you can go to college full time.  In other cases, employers might allow you to work fewer hours while you work toward your degree.  Instances such as these work best if you have a family.  Instead of working full time, you can concentrate on your education.  The remainder of your time can be spent with family.   

These particular options may not always be available.  Some nontraditional students need to take evening or weekend courses.  If you have a family, this can become demanding on your time since you will be working and going to school both.  However, you should not get discouraged because you still can accomplish your goals.   

You will need the help of family and friends if you must schedule night and/or weekend classes.  The first thing you will want to do is to make plans for childcare while you are in classes.  If you have a supportive spouse this should not be as difficult as long as his or her own work schedule allows that parent to be home with the kids.  If not, you can consider asking the children’s grandparents or other relatives for help.  You also can work with your budget to determine if you can afford to pay for childcare if there is not family available to help.   

If you are working to complete a degree and have older children, the task may be a little easier.  Your children can help with some of the household chores while you are attending classes or working on your assignments.  When you need time to study, your older children can work on their own homework or wind down for the evening, which should allow you some time for study. 

When you have younger children, finding time to study may not be as easy.  You really will need the support of your spouse and/or other family members.  Try to make a specific schedule of the times when you will be studying each day.  Ask your spouse to arrange his/her schedule so that you can study during those times.  Younger children may not understand when you are studying rather than spending time with them.  For this reason, you might want to consider going to the college library or local library sometimes to study and work on your school assignments.   

Returning to college when you have a family is not simple by any means.  However, with careful planning and the support of family and friends, you can fulfill your dream of earning a degree or furthering your education.