How do people balance grad school, kids, marriage, etc?

Question

I am married with four children in grad school an hour away from home. Things get rather hectic at times. Does anyone have suggestions on time management, chore management, relationship "management", etc.?

Answer 1

It would be ideal if it weren't an hour away. If your classes are in the evening, try doing as much as you can in the morning and use the evenings to study. Try to get some of your studying done at the campus so that you have less to do at home and then do your studying at night, after class.

Also, try getting your kids to do more around the house. Save the weekends for going out with your partner. If one child is old enough to watch the others, great. If not, get a sitter.

My husband was a grad student once and so I asked him.

Answer 2

We use Mom's Family Calendar by Sandra Boynton, it's available at Barnes and Noble. It shows the entire month and has columns for each family member. My family relies on this for keeping track of all our schedules and appts-there are 5 columns so you would have to draw one in if there are more. You can see at a glance for each day who has to be where. You have to train them to write their stuff up there, or do it for them, and then remember to check it the night before.
Assign everyone one basic chore to be responsible for each day. Rotate them if they prefer. Example: One sweeps the floor, one loads/ unloads dishwasher, or does dishes etc. Have some duties that everyone must do, like putting their own laundry away, clearing table, making bed, or whatever is really important to you. Don't try to do it all. You might make a list of chores that they could do above and beyond to earn a little extra money. Don't overwhelm them with this is going to be a lot of work, but sit the kids down and enlist their support, it will help build responsibility.
Remember, this is a temporary crunch,. If you can afford to, it might be worth it to hire a babysitter or neighbor kid to mow the lawn or a cleaning lady once a month to free up some quality time. I'm not sure how old your kids are. If they are young do something like take a picnic at a park that doesn't cost much and you can all enjoy a little down time and change of scenery. Good luck! Grad school will pay off in the end :)

Answer 3

pure determination and dedicating lot of time to your family.

Answer 4

no idea but kudos for you doing it!!!! for real, 4 kids, school, etc? I couldn't do it!!!!