Has anyone here handled both school and kids?

[queenofthenile]

Hi There,

I am a married mom of one and we believe we could be expecting baby number two soon. My first baby is going to preschool very soon. The reason we were thinking about having baby number two right now is because I have reason to fear for my biological clock even though I'm 25. My husband also wanted to have a another child now because he is in his mid 30's and does not want to be too old with a very young child. I have finished many pre-reqs at community college and have applied to several four year schools as well as the nursing program at my local community college. I feel a little bit scared though. Has anyone been able to finish their education while having young kids? I feel so stressed because I'm being pulled in two different directions.On the one hand, I want to make something of myself so I can help my family and being a nurse has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. On the other hand, I don't want my child growing up without a sibling. I don't want to look back in regret of never having another child and taking that away from my husband either. I mean my mom offered to raise one child with my dad for me while I go to school but they live in another child and I dont know how this will impact that child.Besides that, how can I be half way across the world without one of my babies? Does anyone have any words of encouragement?

I appreciate all your advice in advance.

[RunBabyRN]

We put off a second child, since we did not want to have me in nursing school with an infant (I couldn't IMAGINE the stress, but people do it). Our son was almost 4 when I started. He's 5 now, and I'm about to graduate at age 34. I hear you on the biological clock (you have PLENTY of time, I promise!), but we didn't feel it was responsible to bring another child into the family when we couldn't give him/her the same attention and resources we were able to give our son. I would be devastated to be away from an infant as much as I am away from my family right now. Tonight is the ONLY night this week I'm able to put my son to sleep, because I have 5 nights of precepting and one of lecture. Nursing school is rough, but manageable with support. If you can manage your time well, you'll be okay. Time is truly the biggest factor here, as nursing school is a major time suck. Most other areas of my life have fallen by the wayside in favor of doing well in school, keeping my marriage ticking and getting in some quality mom/son time.

[mashelle13]

I did it with a husband, an 8 yr old & TWINS. You have to ask yourself if you can handle having nursing school as a priority cause it is a commitment. The people that got pregnant or had kids during my school either dropped out or were severely delayed. Having kids just makes it that much more harder to get back into the game however, it's that much more motivation as well. Good Luck!

[mashelle13]

100% agree. It takes you away from the things you love the most, but the sacrifice is worth it.

[jackiebees]

Aw! Something about this post reminds me that I'm getting older. You're only 25 and you mentioned your biological clock? AHH! It's not your fault! I'm starting my 2 yr ASN program in August, and I'll turn 26 in October. I'd always imagined I'd be "settled down" by this age, but I guess time crept on me.... but I digress.

While I'm not in a similar situation at all, I feel like if you want something bad enough you'll find a way to make it work. Its probably going to be one of the hardest things you'll ever do but it will def. pay off in the end. Both of my parents went to college when my sister and I were very young and I have the utmost respect for people who manage school/work/kids/relationships. Good luck :-)

[RHill9919]

i have the utmost respect for you single mothers that do this. I don't know that I could do it. I'm putting off having children so I can go to school.

I'm 28. You have a few more years imo.

[NightNurseRN13]

There was a girl in my class who was pregnant, had the baby, was out for two days and then back in her seat. She was obviously stressed out the entire time while in school, but she did it and is now working as a RN.

I personally waited until both of my kids were in school. I also had a terrific support system, my mother was my rock!

[Mommy_RN1211]

I am currently doing it now, first semester in nursing school with a 14 month old. It is difficult but in my opinion it's more of an emotional strain than a physical strain. I often feel bad for the time I can't be with him studying so I don't study. Instead I play with him until he goes to bed about 8 or so and study after. But do it now while your kids are young and won't really remember the time lost. It gets harder I would imagine when they are older and their events have to be missed for school. Good luck!

[Love2camp]

I'm in my last semester of school. I work 40hrs a week go to school nights and weekends and have children. It is very doable. If you have supportive people around you and you keep up with the studies you will be okay. I recommend getting to bed at a reasonable hour to help yourself manage the crazy schedule. I am far more frazzled when I'm sleep deprived for more than two days in a row.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I did nursing school with 2 kids and a husband and a full time job. I also went to graduate school after I had my first @ 37 and worked full time. Had #2 the last day of class, one week before my 40th birthday. I waited to do student teaching until #2 wad 6 months old. At least in nursing school, both were in school, but kids, school and work are doable.