The summer is winding down and soon you'll be back-to-school shopping with your kids. Most parents can't wait for the day the school bus pulls up and the kids climb up those steps. And then it's peace and quiet until 3p.m
But what if this year, you're going back to school too? The kids are getting older; they don't need you to baby-sit them 24/7. They're in high school or will be soon and then what are you going to do. Is that teaching credential still calling out to you? Is the MBA you put on hold to have kids whispering in your ear? Why not?
Many moms are going back to school. College schedules are generally flexible and you can often be home before the kids. Or not long after. An inexpensive way to get a degree is to get basics out of the way at community colleges, saving the major course work for the larger state or private universities.
The real key to going back to school while your kids are still in school is to get organized - and to delegate. If you're kids are old enough to dress themselves, they are old enough to help around the house. I know, it won't be easy. But make a chart. Everyone has a job. Even a five-year-old can drop white underwear in one bag and dark t-shirts in another. Older kids can do a load of wash and throw clothes in the dryer. Setting the kitchen table is not rocket science. The trick is to make a weekly or monthly schedule so everyone knows that they're job is every day. A monthly schedule make work better for younger children so they don't have to change jobs so often.
Studying is a whole new skill when you haven't been in school for awhile. But it's not a problem if everyone is studying at the same time. Set a specific time each day for kids to ask questions about their homework. Then set time when everyone else does their own homework independently. If someone pipes up, “I don't have any,” don't throw pillows at their head. Let them read a book. Yes, I said read a book. If your kids like sports figures, get them books about their heroes. They'll be more likely to read something that interests them. While they're studying or reading, you study.
Use weekends for major cooking projects. Cook enough for the week and put dinner portions in freezer-friendly packages to defrost during the week. If you've made enough entrees for the week, someone (it doesn't have to be you) can make a salad, pour drinks and cook microwaved vegetables. Fruit makes a great desert.
No, it is not easy. But when next summer rolls around, wouldn't it be nice if you kids came to your graduation? Let them know with the extra money you'll be making, there might be a decent vacation in it for them and you might actually have some enthusiastic support.
