How do you single moms do it?

NurseDixie · Jul 22, 2003

Empress,

I don't have any children, but I don't know how these younger mothers do it. I spend all my extra time studying, reading,etc. I admire you young ladies who can do all this school work in addition to taking care of the kids and the home, etc.

Good Luck to you and hope you work everything out. You can do it.

Cynthiann · Jul 22, 2003

I'm not a single mother but I am a mother. If I was in your situation and really wanted to go to school. I would move back in with my parents (or other close family) and just sacrifice until school's done. I would probably go for something quicker like LPN to get out on my own sooner.

With a SO to support you, you have to make a lot of sacrifices to get what you want. Good luck and let us know how everything works out.

NurseDianne, ADN · Jul 22, 2003

Hey.........hang in there...........that's so theraputic isn't it? :eek:

Anyway........I was a single mother of two small children when I went to LPN school. I'm not saying it wasn't tough......it was.......but.......it was so worth it. I worked 12 hours shifts on the weekend while they were at their dads or my folks. My parents kept them on the weekdays while I was in school, and after school.........I always made sure I sat down and had dinner with them. We would set aside an hour to play, get baths, and read bed time stories. I stayed up late to study. It was rough, no doubt. I used every spare minute between classes to study also. And you know what? I made it. Not only made it, but graduated w/ honors. It was a proud moment for me. And now?

Several years ago I met at wonderful man. We are married. My daughters are now 20 and 15. The oldest one is married now. Just a newly wed since last August. ANd I'm back in school. Only 10 more months to go.

Honey, it was worth it. When I graduated from LPN school, I felt like I had something to offer my children. I wasn't afraid anymore. It's never easy, but do what you have to. Use all of your family's support, friends.......whatever you need to do. Just do it for your child and yourself.

And.......that's my couple of pennies worth.

Best of luck to you!:)

Carolanne · Jul 22, 2003

That's a beautiful story, NURSEDIANNE -- just shows what determination and hard work will do. You're an inspiration!

"I woman is like a tea bag -- you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water" (quote Nancy Reagan)

Empress · Jul 23, 2003

NurseDiane, what a wonderful story!

Unfortunately, I don't have family support. They're not an option, not nice people at all and I would not put my child around them willingly.

STBX is a very devoted father, just a crappy spouse. He has no problem with being involved with our daughter's life, but I am going to use part-time childcare so not to spread all of us too thin, KWIM?

shelleybelle · Jul 23, 2003

I'm a single mom... and I graduated from LPN school tonight It has been tough, but I MADE IT! With the help of scholarships, grants, grace of God, etc. I did it without working or asking for help from anyone. Actually, I did apply for public assistance, but because my car was a 1997 model, I was turned down (whatever). Anywho... I made the most of my time at home & away from home. I considered the ADN program, but I knew I couldn't afford to be off work for a straight 2yrs. I'll continue my education on to the RN program in August. I studied when he went to bed at night, while he was watching TV, etc. My ex helped out w/babysitting a lot, so did his parents & mine. It was hard, but NOT impossible. I mean I did it. One of the things my instructors told us on the first day was it depends how bad you want it. "The desire is half the battle" You can do it... :)

Good luck!