Most online students are in the middle of finals and semester projects. It can be difficult to keep priorities straight…just when school demands so much time, family members expect extra holiday-season attention. Fortunately, you don't have to choose between your family and your coursework. My About.com article, 4 Ways to Balance Family and School, shows how you can succeed with both. Here's a blurb.
Setting specific times and posting a schedule on your office door (or kitchen fridge) can be a great way to form a common understanding and keep resentments from forming. Let your family know when you'll be available and when they shouldn't disturb you. If you're in an online chat meeting, for example, you may want to hang a "do not disturb" sign on the door. Let children know what instances are appropriate for interruption (a stuffed bear causing the toilet to overflow) and which are inappropriate (they have a sudden urge for ice-cream). This street goes both ways, however, and you'll also need to set some ground rules for yourself. Be available to your family during your off-hours and give them the attention they need. Let them know that they can trust you to be available when you say you will, and they'll be more willing to wait.
