Student Moms of young children

rach2girls1boy · Mar 21, 2004

:imbar :rolleyes: OK, I see it now - you want to be a CNM. I should read the small print!! Lol.

See, I feel that way too, that if I am happier, they will be too. Frankly, I feel like I don't even exist half the time between cleaning, changing diapers, feeding them, blah, blah, blah. It seems to be all my life is about anymore. That's why I was soooo grateful to find this site. I'm addicted now, but it's because I want to learn everything I can and it makes me feel like I have some human adult contact. My kids aren't neglected and I am happier for having found you all. Imagine how happy I will be when I am back in school!!!
When I went back in 2001, it was just about the happiest I have ever been. I was striving to achieve what I knew I could do and it made me feel great! It's just a matter of logistics here now. I am having to turn down a full time job offer as a CNA because I would be paying out approx. $100 more a week than I would be making during school. And also, I can't imagine being away from the kids during a full time job too. Now, I am trying to find a part time waitressing job (like I used to do) because I loved that too, it was good money and I don't have to be away from the kids for another 40 hours every week on top of school.
Does this all make sense or am I babbling my head off??? :rotfl:

Energizer Bunny · Mar 21, 2004

Nope, you're not babbling. Well, if you are I understand what you are saying
:chuckle I am new to this site, and I am so grateful to have found it too. In my class of 132 (!!!) there are only a handful with kids - and none that I know of with more than one young kid. So what are you going to school for? I assume some kind of nursing, but being in Canada I don't understand all the types. Here we have NA (nursing assistant) which I think has phased out the LPN(?) (licensed practical nurse) and RN, which can either be diploma (2 or 3 years) or degree (4 years). The diploma won't get you a job after 2005, where the entry to practice is going to be a degree, so that is what I am taking. What is an associate degree? We don't have that here.
So how old are your little ones? You mentioned diapers, so I assume they are little.

Hi. I am going for a 2 year associate's degree, coming out of the program as an RN. A Bachelor's degree is typically four years, but there are many accelerated programs out there to get it quicker. From my RN, I am considering a distance learning fast track course to CNM but am starting to question the logic of this now when I see how much they make compared to RN's and insurance issues, etc.

Trey is my oldest. He is four, Piper is two and Bryce is five months. My husband tells me we are done now, especially since he has a granddaughter and another on the way from a previous marriage. I have to say, I always wanted four, but will have to be satisfied with three.

I guess my feelings are just that I don't want to be "just" a wife and mom anymore (not that there is anything wrong with that for those that choose to do it...heck I chose it for almost five years). I sometimes just feel invisible and have to wonder if they would even notice if I wasn't here. Well, of course they would...dishes wouldn't be done, house wouldn't be picked up, laundry would be everywhere....you get the idea. I'm good for hugs, getting food and cleaning and that's about it. That's how I feel anyways. Now, ever since i got my acceptance letter, I feel like I am already so much more in every capacity.

Thanks for responding. It's good to know I'm not alone.

danaRN2b · Mar 21, 2004

I currently work as a nursing assistant and I LOVE my job, so I figure that when the time is "right," I will go back to school then. I know the guilt that you feel.
Our children are only "little" once and school will ALWAYS be there!!! Enjoy your children!
hug4mom,
Thank you so much for saying that. In the past few days, I have been faced with the decision to either pursue nursing school this fall or postponing one year. My husband and I have committed to eliminating our debt in the next 12 months, so tuition/books/daycare is a cost I'm not sure we can handle right now. But aside from that, I worried about being away from my kids so much. I have four kids, ages 8, 6, 4 and 3. In a way, I was looking forward to doing something for myself--finally!--but now am not so sure. My baby, Mason, is now three and he's the last of the bunch...there will be no more babies! I think, for me, it's more important to be home for that last year before he starts school than to rush into school for myself. I also worried about the stress of studying, etc, affecting my time with the kids. I don't feel so much like I'm copping out by wanting to postpone after reading your post.
I am so proud of all of the moms on here who are going for it!! I'm only going part time (doing pre-reqs) now, and it's so hard! I have so much respect for all of you, full time or part. Good luck to everyone.

SCmomof3, RN · Apr 17, 2004

Hi ladies! It's nice to see other moms who are in the same situation as I am. I am 30 and have been a SAHM to Jessica, 10, Jayden, 5 and Jory 20 months, for 6 years now. My dream is to work in L&D. I would have been in school already but the Lord decided to bless us with little Jory first :chuckle My hardest struggle will be leaving Jory in childcare. He doesn't do so well at church even though we are there 2-3x per week. He's fine once I leave but he usually :crying2: when we drop him off. He's getting better though now that he's a little older and understands we'll always be back for him :) I'm babbling... Sorry LOL! Jayden starts 5 yo kindergarten this fall, so my older two will be in school while I'm in school. I will be taking 7 credits this summer, but they're all internet classes. This fall I plan to take a Biology class if I can get in (it's high demand). Jory will be starting our church's preK program in the fall - I had planned on starting him at 2 days a week, but Bio plus lab is 4 days We'll manage, but I still worry. Anyway, nice to meet you all !! Good luck ladies!

allthingsbright · Apr 17, 2004

Hi! I have been a SAHM mom for the past 6+ years-with two ds's ages 4 and 6. I have gone to NS part time taking a class or two on saturdays and at nighgts for the past two years. This fall I start clinicals-with a first grader and a preschooler (they both missed the school cut off date). I have classes/clinicals two half days and one full day a week-so my then 5 year old when be in preschool and childcare those days. My 7 year old will be in school evryday, so I dont have to worry about him! I have pretty good support so if I have an emergency someone can cover for me (dh, MIL, etc). I feel good that I have been home with them and have devoted myself to them while they were little. Now its time to move forward with my dreams-but they are alwasy my FIRST priority. You'll make the right decision. :) Don't let guilt run your life-just make the best decisions you can and move forward with the future in mind. Best wishes!

skanded · Apr 18, 2004

Hello ladies! :)

I am Susan and I am 29 (quickly approaching 30) and I have a son who is 20 months old. I am currently finishing my 3rd semester of a 5 semester ADN program. Graduation is in Dec. :)

It has been sort of a struggle for me having a little one, but I am definitely in the swing of things now. I have learned that I CAN NOT study while he is awake. I usually grap a nap when he does in the afternoon so that I can stay up a little later at night and study after he goes to bed (7:45). This has worked out pretty well for me. Occasionally for a big test or something, I will go to my room but he usually comes to the door and cries for me, so I stop.

My DH has been a really good support person. He does alot with our son to help me out.

bluesky, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2004

Well my son was 11 months old when I started my program (BSN). He's now 2 1/2 and I'm graduating in May ( ). My relationship with my son is none the worse and now I have something to fall back on if my unfortunately unstable marriage doesn't work out. Just my .02.

nursetopray · Apr 18, 2004

:rotfl:

I think my littlest one is the one I fear for the most because he isn't going to get any mommy time like the other two did. Trey will be in kindergarten and Piper will be in preschool but Bryce is just a baby still. I know that I have to do this for ME and for THEM but it's still very hard emotionally for me. I have two mornings where my lab starts at 7 am and I can't even take Trey to school or the other two to daycare/preschool. I guess I shouldn't worry about it until the time comes, but I am really trying to prepare myself mentally.
On top of this, I may have to try to go back to work waitressing at least part time, but childcare is VERY hard to find at night and Bryan (dh) work schedule is always different.

I am the mom of 3 beautiful little girls, Mikayla 5, Brianna 4, and Aleyah 1. I have just started (CNA, & Prereq's) and not only do I miss them, they miss me:crying2: . But I keep telling myself, that it is only 2 years, once I graduate and my children see my accomplishment, we can look back and realize that 2 years was not that long.

I know my family will be so proud of me when I recieve my degree. You can do it!!

sunnybrook23 · Apr 18, 2004

Hello,

I am faced with the same dilemma I have three also 4, 2 & 1. I too have such a hard time when It comes to studying. But I just tell myself that I would want them to do thier best and so should I. Right now they won't remember that I'm always at school. They love the daycare that my college provides. My 4 and 2 year old wake up up every morning to ask if it's "School Day" today. That makes me feel good that they enjoy themselves. Hang in there. They will be so proud of your accomplishments.!

Rebecca

Electrix · May 4, 2004

Same here, I have 4 year old boy/girl twins, not even old enough to go to kindergarten yet, but I know that if I want a secure future for them, I need a job where I am not going to get laid off ever year or so. Plus I got them through Invetro and I want to get into Reproductive Endocrinology. I think 6 years of infertility allows me to qualify to be a caring ear and heart for couples trying to concieve.

jawbreaker3000 · May 4, 2004

Like everyone else, I too, am on the same boat. I have a 4 YO and a 5 month old cuties. My 4 YO will start Kindergarten this September; I'm starting my pre-reqs this summer as well. My husband works at night as a paramedic and since I work in the AM, we barely see each other...thank God for cell phones and IMing. This coming fall, he's continuing his school as a pre-med major; he wants to become an ER physician someday. The saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is so true. We're a very busy family, but we always make time for each other and when we get together, it's always great. It gets tough sometimes, and I know it'll get tougher, but we always look at the big picture and that is, all this sacrifice will be worth it for our kids' future. That's what keeps us going.

Mandarella · May 4, 2004

Hi Kim,

:crying2: I have a 14 month old and a 2 month old...I have ben knocking myself out over the nursing school issue and finally turned in my app. I am waiting to hear...there is a waiting list of 100. I am hoping that by SOME miracle MY essay will stand out and I will be accepted this fall for the weekend program. I figure it's better to sacrifice now while they are small and then I will have the time later to go to games, and do hobbies & homework etc. My children will be 3 & 4 when I graduate if I get in this fall. Still small enough for cuddles I hope. I believe it's the best for all of us.

I am curious because I am a mom of three young children, how many of us are there out there trying to go to school and raise the kiddos? Trey is four, will be five when I start in the fall, Piper is two and will be three, and Bryce is five months. I am struggling with the "guilt" issues of leaving them for long periods of time.. how are others out there dealing with this? I'd really like to get into some intense discussions into this...it is my biggest stumbling block.
Kim