[cherokeesummer]

Hi, I have a 1 year old son and am in nursing school. I did take the semester off that I was pregnant b/c as a diabetic I am a high risk ob patient so I wanted to take it easy. After I had my son I went back to school and did fine. I do find it much easier to stop studying now LOL b/c I'd rather spend time with him. So to be honest I do most of my studying during his naptimes or after he is in bed. I just don't want to spend the time while he is awake studying b/c I'd rather be spending it with him LOL!

Of course he is my first child so he is very much the center of my attention so that is another thing. I know that I could devote more time to study but I choose to balance it out!

It's not always easy but I try to think of it as helping our future!

[dijmart]

would i have done it when my son was little.....NO WAY! but, he was very demanding and got into everything. plus, i don't have endless, boundless energy & it probably would've killed me! i do know one lady in my program now who has two small kids (so it can be done), but i wouldn't want to be her.

[SMK1]

Well the guilt is definitely an issue. I have a little girl who just turned six last week, and she will pout as soon as she sees the school bag come out of the closet. I try to counter this by having a special "date" time with her every week. Also I take time out to help with her reading and snuggle every night. It is hard because the kids are used to having more if not all of Mom's time, and now they have a lot less.

[royr]

Originally Posted by SMK1

Well the guilt is definitely an issue. I have a little girl who just turned six last week, and she will pout as soon as she sees the school bag come out of the closet. I try to counter this by having a special "date" time with her every week. Also I take time out to help with her reading and snuggle every night. It is hard because the kids are used to having more if not all of Mom's time, and now they have a lot less.

My Daughter is also 6 - and I have found a working solution I make her part of my study time. I purchased Anatomy & Physiology coloring books, as well as Microbiology coloring books. When I study, I have her "Help" her Daddy by studying the apropriate part of the body or disease causing organism with me - and color along. Besides improving my understanding of the material, as a picture is worth a 1000 words - it gives us more time together and keeps me from limiting my study hours to those times when she is at school or asleep. This is working for us.

[Laught3r]

See Merrick,
You are not the only one and there is alot of support for you here.

[linzz]

The other posters are so right about taking down time for yourself. I did my program full time with a five and an eight year old. I also had a very active social life and was involved in volunteer activities. I gave all of this up and I also gave up taking time for myself and it was a big mistake. I, too was also burned out even before I graduated. So take some time for yourself, you will be a much happier person.

[jemommyRN]

I think that organization is an important factor also. If you have your kids on a schedule (bedtime at a certain time every night) that makes a big difference. You'll find yourself with a lot more free time.

[Honeychild]

I worried about mommy guilt as well, I have a 3 year old and she is demanding. I just tell myself that it will be worth it in June when I am able to provide for her and be a better, happier mother because I am doing what I want to do with my life.

The hard part is that she told me yesterday (after I told her that I couldn't snuggle with her that night) that she doesn't want me to be a nurse, she just wants me to be her mama.

[merrick]

Thanks everyone for all your input. I'm going for it, but I'm scared! I wish there were a part time program I could do, but unfortunately there isn't at my school. I have a tough time now keeping my household straight and kids taken care of while still having time for myself. I can't imagine how it'll be when I'm in school full time with a toddler and a five year old running around!

[MS. ICANDOIT]

Originally Posted by merrick

Thanks everyone for all your input. I'm going for it, but I'm scared! I wish there were a part time program I could do, but unfortunately there isn't at my school. I have a tough time now keeping my household straight and kids taken care of while still having time for myself. I can't imagine how it'll be when I'm in school full time with a toddler and a five year old running around!

I started with an 11 y/o and a 3 week old. My 11 y/o has the social life of a grown woman so keeping up with her schoolwork, cheerleading and speech team can be a test of endurance along with my own courseload. Grab anyone who even opens their mouth to help you. Let the housework go a bit. You cannot be Martha Steward/Donna Reed and do this. Settle for presentable and sanitary until you have a term break then clean. The advice about freezing meals it is great (i'm gonna start that myself). Don't feel guilty about anything except not doing what you need to to take care of you and your babies. My class has become very supportive very fast and we are starting a sitting swap. We'll meet at the library and take turns with the kids upstairs. We aren't sure how this will work but its worth it to try. Anything is possible if we can support each other in it!!!!