Mommyhood and Grad School

I had good role models, so as I was in school, I knew that I would be going back, and that it was doable. All of my instructors were working mothers (with the exception of 1 working father) who obtained their degrees while raising their kids. Good luck to us all

I agree with all that has been said (especially from BBFRN).

My mother went back to school for her BA when I was in elementary school, and completed her masters degree when I was in middle school. She went to college for the first time in the 1950s when an associate's degree was more than enough for women. But in the 1970s she wanted more, and pursued her BA in Political Science/History, then a M.Ed in counselling. Her determination to pursue her dreams (and the great support that from my father who took over the shopping and cooking) had a great effect on me. I grew up with two role models who worked together as a team to meet her professional and educational goals. The kids were also put to work around the house (I vacuumed the house 2x a week, and changed all bedlinen weekly; my younger brother was in charge of bathrooms).

I never regretted my mother being in school when I was young. I remain very proud of her ability to balance, prioritize, and to manage time. Those time management skills stuck with me and helped me in school/life as well.

So yes, going back to school will have an effect on your kids. It may actually help them mature.

I'm sure you can do it. It sounds like you have thought things out and have a plan in place. I take my last final tomorrow of my ANP program. I am a wife and mother of 3 children, 7 and twins that are 5. The first year I worked 1 day a week. I have done this in 20 months. During this time we also added a new puppy to the household and my daughter got diagnosed with Chron's. Time management, support, and flexibility can make your dreams come true. My kids are very proud of what I've done and they are constantly talking about it at school to their teachers and friends. I think besides a better work schedule for my family it also has shown them to value of education and hardwork. They can't wait to go to graduation next week. Best of luck to you.

I have had Moms on my parenting board chastize me for "letting strangers raise the kids" or neglecting them, but I've never had someone say it to my face. Honestly, that is SO unbelievably rude it makes clear the speaker has issues that have nothing to do with you.

I have 4 kids, ages 6, 9, 12, 15. I will be going to an on-line FNP program FT in the fall. 4 classes/12 credit hours a semester. I work nights in a slow paced tele unit. I am confident I will be able to do 50% of my school work at work, and I'll have all day while the ankle biters are in school to do the rest. I have been missing school plays, awards ceremonies, athletic events, band performances, birthdays, holidays etc etc for 10 years. FNP school means not having to do that for the rest of their childhoods. My kids already have a lot more responsibilities than their friends, but I think it is a good thing. My husband already does most of the cooking and the kids do most of the cleaning. My main job is chauffer, and I'm passing as much of that on to willing friends and neighbors as possible, lol.

It will be busy, but I don't think it is going to be overwhelming. Anything worth having is worth sacrafice and hard work to attain.

It will be as hectic as we make it...our families will suffer if we go into it thinking they will suffer. Our families will survive and thrive if we do! Cheers to all the mommys taking the chance and going for it!

Reading this thread has been inspiring. I'm also contemplating going to Grad school, I have a 20 month and a 2 month old. I want to get this school out of the way while they are still young. I'm also having some guilty feelings when I have to study which takes out time for my kids, but I try to do my homework during lunch time at work. I'm glad that there are other mothers feeling the same way that I am and it is encouraging to read the comments from all of you.