Student Moms of young children

SCmomof3, RN · May 4, 2004

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.

Thank you for posting this! It's so true. I'm stressing so much, mostly about my little one. It really helps to put things into perspective! Take care!

vanadium71 · May 5, 2004

I agree that there is a great deal of guilt put on us Moms. I have 2 children, ages 2 and 6. I don't work and only go to school part time, so it isn't that bad. Thankfully, so far, my schedule of classes has been easily worked around my husbands job. This fall I start clinicals and someone will have to take my 6 year old to school. This really bothers me. I have always been there for him in the morning and when he gets home. But as someone else posted, I am trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel and focus on the future. :)

maplebunny · May 5, 2004

New member here. Have been lurking for about a week at allnurses - just had to post to this thread! I'm so glad to see that there are so many of us here to help each other out.

I have two sons, 4 and 2. I have been taking prereqs one class at a time while working full time since I was pregnant with my 4yo, then started as a SAHM after #2 was born. I am finally starting a nursing program full time this summer at Linfield College, but that means that both boys go to full time daycare. This will be the first time that the boys and will be apart all day for two years, and I'm a little stressed about how that will go for all of us.

Anyway, thanks to all of you for sharing your situations. Glad to be in such great company.

Christie

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · May 5, 2004

:balloons: Three, yes, three kids! I have a two year old, one year old, and a six month old (he'll be six months tomorrow!) I haven't officially started school, but when I do begin in June I do anticipate some serious juggling...and stress! I am fortunate that my husband is home right now and is getting disability income, so he can keep them when they get home from day care. My father-in-law is moving up here for the summer and he will be a big help also. My parents are supportive, but both of them will be out of commission due to upcoming surgeries and recovery periods that will take them well into the late fall. :uhoh21: Anyhow, it's encouraging to see so many young mothers, especially those of you whom are already in the nursing school game.

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · May 5, 2004

New member here. Have been lurking for about a week at allnurses - just had to post to this thread! I'm so glad to see that there are so many of us here to help each other out.
I have two sons, 4 and 2. I have been taking prereqs one class at a time while working full time since I was pregnant with my 4yo, then started as a SAHM after #2 was born. I am finally starting a nursing program full time this summer at Linfield College, but that means that both boys go to full time daycare. This will be the first time that the boys and will be apart all day for two years, and I'm a little stressed about how that will go for all of us.
Anyway, thanks to all of you for sharing your situations. Glad to be in such great company.
Christie

Hey sweety. I wanted to reply to you specifically because I know what you are going through. I've been a SAHM since I was pregnant with #1...(not a true SAHM then, but I was preparing, LOL) My first daughter was somewhat planned, however, my second daughter was a complete (pleasant) surprise. That being said, my daughters are ten months apart...and have NEVER been apart. Then, we relocated back to NY state from Florida so I could continue my education with the help and support of my parents. Unfortunately, my mother was diagnosed with serious carpal tunnel and needs surgery, so she will be out of commission for a while and is working serious hours now so that she is not too swamped when she returns. My dad has more ailments than I want to go into, and stays hopped on pain meds. Not too much of a problem, until my husband fell at work and was taken out by his physician. Living on 75% pay (disability) really wasn't cutting it, when we were used to living paycheck to paycheck with little left for savings. I had to take a job. I was forced to place my children in daycare (all three: 2, 1, and 6 months) while my husband attended twice weekly therapy sessions. I was worried because my girls were so close, and now their daycare classes where on opposite sides of the building. They wouldn't see each other all day. Long story short, after the first week (they went twice a week) they were hooked! Loved to see each other after "school" but looked forward to going each time. They woke up every morning asking "Cool today?" Now I have them attending full time even though I am not working anymore. It's more preparation for when I do start school in June. Your children will be fine, and they will adjust. Absence does make the heart grow fonder...and the peace and quiet will be greatly appreciated when you need extra study time!

lilagirl · May 5, 2004

I also have three kids one who is 8 and two that are 5. My twins will be starting school in the fall on the same day that I start nursing school so I timed it just right. It looks like other than my husband having to take them to school a couple of days a week max it should go okay. I have been a stay at home mom for the last 5 years and I am really excited to be going back to school.

maplebunny · May 5, 2004

Thank you for your thoughtful words. Sounds like we are all getting ready for big changes in our lives. With all that is going on in your life, make sure to take time for Kiyasmom, too!

Christie

nursemichelle · May 5, 2004

I'm not sure there is ever a "perfect" time to go to school when you have children, I thought it would be easier now that my four boys are all teenagers, in some aspects it is (they can drive etc), but there are lots of times I wish they were still being "observed" in daycare than "free" while I'm in school lol! I am way protective/hovering whatever you want to call it, and it is scarey to think about clinicals/working in the evenings while they are home alone. I trust them, but teens will be teens! Anyway, just look for the bright side and take the plunge, I'm sure it will all work out for the best! Good luck to all with kiddos!

Truly_Blessed · May 5, 2004

I was feeling so guilty when I decided to go back to school...but I finally decided to suck it up. It's not like I am away from my son because I am a junkie, a drunk, or a party person....I am out trying to make a better way for him and me. This is a temporary situation that is going to benefit us both...and less time with each other for a year or two is just a sacrifice I am a bit reluctant but in the end, willing to make, to have a job that makes me feel like I have a purpose in this crazy world...and to provide everything my child needs w/o having to depend on someone else.:)

bbear · May 6, 2004

Hey now, there are dads here raising little ones while going to school. My wife and I are both full-time students and we have 6 rugrats--13 years, 10 years, 9 years, 6 years, 4 years, and 2 years.

Yes, it takes many sacrifices of time and money. But we both realize that we will be able to do things for our children when we're done that we wouldn't otherwise be able to do, and we are also demonstrating by example the importance of education. I wouldn't change a thing if I had it to do all over again. Well, maybe I'd invest in more duct tape and rope. But other than that...

nursetopray · May 7, 2004

I am from Columbia, living in NC, i went to dreher high and graduated in 1990, are you familiar with Columbia, I plan to send my 4 & 1yo to church preschool 3 days a week while i take my pre-reqs in the fall. my 5yo will be starting kindergarden. I am taking a CNA course now so I can work weekends and contribute a little, as well as discover what area i really want to work in. Are you going to Midlands tech?? You can just email me if you like. Take care.

Thank you for posting this! It's so true. I'm stressing so much, mostly about my little one. It really helps to put things into perspective! Take care!

madamewalker · May 7, 2004

Hey now, there are dads here raising little ones while going to school. My wife and I are both full-time students and we have 6 rugrats--13 years, 10 years, 9 years, 6 years, 4 years, and 2 years.
Yes, it takes many sacrifices of time and money. But we both realize that we will be able to do things for our children when we're done that we wouldn't otherwise be able to do, and we are also demonstrating by example the importance of education. I wouldn't change a thing if I had it to do all over again. Well, maybe I'd invest in more duct tape and rope. But other than that...

Duct tape and rope! I shall put that on my shopping list as well ...

I am a part-timer and mother of one baby girl, (almost 14 mos.). This fall is the first time I will be attending since I gave birth and the guilt has begun already. I too, take solace in the fact that children learn by example, and my example of finishing what I started and earning my degree is the best one I could give her. On the other hand, she is in such a growth stage now that I hate leaving her for even a few hours -- only to hear an adorable story about something she did from her father. I'm also going through the registration process and determining what sort of schedule is going to work for us this fall, but I will also be accomodating a full-time schedule beginning in July, albeit, I may be able to work off-hours, even possibly hours when she's asleep, so we'll see.

Lots of hugs and encouragement to all the moms and dads!