Together We Succeed: How to Include Your Family in Your Educational Goals

As an adult student, your family will always come first. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or caretaker, you may have people who rely on you for support. This can create the feeling that you must always remain independent, always remain that rock others can count on, and achieve your degree goals on your own. Wrong! Being a family is 24/7 and you need them as much as they need you. Be willing to lean on your family and include them in this part of your life.

Although you are ultimately responsible for your academic success, having a support system that helps you handle difficult situations, discover resources, and find motivation can support you in reaching your educational goals . Regardless of the degree you are pursuing, having a community that supports and encourages you is essential for maximizing your potential.

As an independent adult student, you may wonder, “How can I involve my family?” There are many ways to get started and each will help you balance all your responsibilities!

Communicate

Former president Gerald R. Ford once said, “Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.” Success stems from effective, clear communication. If you want your family to be involved, you must communicate your needs and expectations with them.

Effective communication starts with regularly discussing your classes with loved ones:

• Talk about what you are learning, the challenges you face, and any upcoming assignments or assessments.
• Clearly express your needs and concerns to your family members.
• Keep them updated on school events and other important dates like conferences, clinics, and upcoming deadlines.

You don’t have to go into deep detail but letting them in on this part of your life is an important first step. By discussing your aspirations for the future—and your plans to achieve them—your family and friends can better support you on that journey. 

Set Boundaries

Though it can be difficult at times, setting boundaries with your family relating to their level of involvement in your academic journey is essential to maintaining healthy relationships.

Have honest conversations with your family members about how they can help and where you need a little space or separation to focus on your studies. Maybe you will only occasionally need your family to help with studying (i.e., during finals week, midterms, or before a huge exam), or maybe you want to include them as a part of your daily routine. Clearly communicate what you need from your community so you can be a successful student and remain a successful parent and spouse.

It may be helpful to set aside a dedicated study space. Designate a quiet area at home where you can focus on studying, and let your family know when you need uninterrupted time. 

While involving your family is important, make sure to maintain your privacy and independence. 

Involve Your Family

How do you effectively involve your family then?

Although your family isn’t enrolled in classes with you, there are still a variety of ways that they can be included. One way to involve your family is asking for help with study sessions. Whether that means they help you make study guides, quiz you on topic areas or run through flashcards, your family can play an integral role in your studies. It is helpful to break down complex ideas into easy-to-understand terms that  are easier to remember so explaining a subject to a family member unfamiliar with your topic area may help!

Proofreading is always an important part of the submission process so ask your family for their opinion on essays or projects before submitting them. Don't hesitate to seek guidance on difficult concepts or study strategies.

And don’t think that this is only something for your spouse, friends, or older children to help with. Young children want to have as much time with their parents as possible and you don’t want to miss out on that time with them. Turn “helping mom and dad study” into a family game night. They don’t have to know all the stuff you’re learning to feel like they are helping you. And the memories you create for them will be ones they’ll always remember.

Be Adaptable

While it is essential to plan for academic success with your family, unexpected changes are more than likely to happen. Something is bound to come up, whether good or bad, that will force you to adjust. It is important to do well in school, but your family will always come first. Prioritizing the health and well-being of yourself and your family is essential.

Consider the unique strengths and capabilities of each family member when seeking their support. As you continue through your educational journey, you may find that your need to rely on your family members will fluctuate depending on your courses and content. That’s okay, and it is part of the process, so keep monitoring how things are going and adjusting through open communication when needed.

Celebrate With Them

Your family is with you through thick and thin so be sure you celebrate every success with them. Actively inform them about good grades, awards, or positive feedback you receive from teachers. 

Don’t forget to also show appreciation for everything they do for you. Thank them for their support and express how much their encouragement means to you. 

Balancing school, your family, and a job can be a challenging part of college for an adult student, but your success depends upon it. Your family may be the reason why you work so hard, but they are also your biggest cheerleaders. They want you to succeed and will help you in any way they can.