Being a military spouse is a challenging role in itself, and when your partner decides to continue their education through an online program, it can add to that stress. The online curriculum can be incredibly demanding, and it can make it challenging for your partner to juggle their military duties and family responsibilities. However, the good news is that as a military spouse, you can provide support and help make the experience more manageable for your partner. In this post, we will discuss ways you can support your military spouse through their online school journey.
Provide Emotional Support
Going back to school can be stressful, and it is essential to provide your partner with the emotional support they need. Encourage them and let them know you have faith in their success. Remind them why they started and that they are capable of handling their program. Whether it be stress from the military or from school it’s important to listen to them when they want to discuss their hardships, ask how they’re feeling, and always be there to listen.
Minimize Distractions
Online school can be isolating, and distractions can make it even harder to focus. As a spouse, you can assist by creating a quiet and uninterrupted space for your partner to study. Take care of the household chores for them or watch the kids when they need to focus on their studies. Any small amount of extra time they have will make a significant difference.
Be Flexible
Military life is always unpredictable. Training, deployments, and family emergencies can occur at any time unexpectedly. Online education programs, like those at the University of Maryland Global Campus, are flexible and provide lots of freedom, but there are still deadlines to be made. As their spouse, you can help by being flexible too, understanding and accommodating when situations arise that require your partner’s attention. Make sure that the whole family is aware of the schedule and changes. Having open communication between you and your partner and a safe environment for you both is crucial in maintaining stress and a healthy relationship.
Celebrate Successes
Getting through a semester, acing a test, or completing a project is worth celebrating, especially when balancing military life and online school. Do not miss out on opportunities to commemorate such important milestones with your loved one. Celebrate and recognize every achievement, acknowledge the hard work, and be proud of the hard work you both gave to get there.
Find Resources
As a military family, you have access to various support resources such as a Military Distress Line, Educational Centers for Service members, Financial Aid support programs, Career counseling, and much more. Take the time to find resources that will make it easier for you to afford to send your partner to university. If your partner faces any barriers, these resources are at hand to remove the obstacles and help them study.
In conclusion, supporting your military spouse through online school is not easy, but it is undoubtedly achievable. Being there for your partner, providing necessary home support, and motivating them along their academic journey can help them achieve great success. Remember that even small gestures can be significant and that the journey is worthwhile. With your help, your partner’s academic success will be even more fulfilling for both of you. So let’s support our military spouses together.
About the author:
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/