So, you have decided to go back to college after __ years of working or being a stay-at-home mom/dad. I know that this was a difficult choice for you and your family. No longer are you the one dropping your kids off at school, but you are trying to not schedule the same classes as your son or daughter at the university. This can be intimidating, even to someone who had a successful career for years. Those of you who have raised children know how to manage your time well, so you will be ready for balancing out time to study and be an integral part of your family. So take courage, this will just be like adding in a new family member.

So, what can you do to “fit in” at the university? How do you “learn to study” again, after all of these years being away from a formal learning environment? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Remember, your younger peers already look up to you because you have more life experience than they do.
2. Take advantage of your time management skills. You raised children and/or a career for years. This means you can balance time well and make time to study.
3. Take advantage of learning new computer skills from your younger classmates.
4. Form study groups with your classmates. This will help you learn how other’s study, as well as form friendships with your peers.

Adam Glendye MA MFT
AGlendye@ GROWCounseling.com