anxiety about evening Childcare

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Hello all,

I am a going to start my ADN program soon. I chose the evening weekend option as I work during the day. The classes will be held three nights out of the week from 6pm To 10pm plus Clinicals on Saturdays 6:45 am to 4:00 pm. I'm excited about starting Nursing has always been a dream of mine. Howevet, I am experiencing anxiety thinking of the fact that I have to leave my 3 year old son at evening child care facility. I also feel guilty at the thought of bouncing him from daycare during my working hours then taking him to the evening place. I tell myself I am doing this for his future but the guilt creeps in. Am I doing the right thing? Should I wait? Any advice would be great

Specializes in Med-Surg.

I agree with the posters that suggest trying to find in home care in the evenings, that way he can be home and go to bed in his own house. I don't think you need to put off going to school, but should try to find the child care that will be the least disruptive to him that you can. I have three kids and have taken them from daycare to my dad's house to watch and that's hard, they seem to do better with me leaving again when they are in their own house vs being dropped off somewhere else. Either way you are doing it to get a better job not to go bar hopping three days a week, try not to feel guilty.

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Specializes in Nursing Ed, CCU, ICU.

I agree with those that say education will not only improve your own living standards but also serve as a great role model for your young son. I have been a nurse my entire life and went to school when my daughter was young, she is 24 now and continuing the same tradition. I believe you have to judge your own situation and that of your child. Depends a lot on how he handles the different environments while you continue your education. It is not the amount of time that you spend with children but the quality of time! There can be stay at home Moms who do not really spend time with their children because they are busy with other things...and there can be Mothers who work and go to school and spend great quality time with their children.

You seem to be a loving, caring mother who is trying to better her life and that of her child. Stay positive and be the best you can be in both roles and you will both be fine!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Well, I'm not a single Mom but my husband was suddenly deployed when I was in nursing school. And yes, my kids went to daycare during the day while I slept or went to school and then yes, they were in daycare all night while I worked.

This was for approx 1 year - it was a horrid year. I felt (and still feel) very guilty over this but at the time I felt (and still feel) that it had to be done for our future.

You do what you have to do - try to make sure you do spend some time with your son daily - time just for him and you, no studying, no cleaning, no nothing, just 1:1 attention.

I wish you the best - its not fun but it was worth in the end.

Ps - I did this during the first Desert Storm so my sons are now adults.

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Thanks for the encouragement.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

I don't think there ever is an ideal or easy time to put a lot of your life on hold to go to school. In a perfect world you could manage work, school and motherhood without sacrificing anything, but there is no perfect world. Would it realistically be easier to manage everything in a few years as opposed to now? If you can honestly say no, it really wouldn't be easier to go to school later than it is now then go for it. Make no mistake, it will be hard. Harder still with the demands of parenting, but it can be done. The light at the end of the tunnel is the prospect of a much better future for you and your child.

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Specializes in ICU.
I have my reasons for seeking nursing now as opposed to waiting "a few years" which I will not discuss. I am all for "keeping it real" but when you accuse someone of "pawning" off their child and not know the person AT ALL, you can't blame a person for calling your response combative. As a mother, I am quite sure you would not appreciate someone accusing you of pawning your kids off (as you put it) Hey, at the end of the day we are all entitled to OPINIONS but just be mindful of your words. It is possible to "keep it real" without offending. It takes a whole level of maturity to master it tho.

Ok. Your opinion is given. So is mine. I guess I look at the big picture. Like when they become angry teenagers. Good luck. I hope it works out for you and you find the day and night care you need. You did come here asking for opinions, by the way, I didn't see where you specified the unicorns and rainbows crap. Like I said, good luck.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Ok. Your opinion is given. So is mine. I guess I look at the big picture. Like when they become angry teenagers. Good luck. I hope it works out for you and you find the day and night care you need. You did come here asking for opinions, by the way, I didn't see where you specified the unicorns and rainbows crap. Like I said, good luck.

What the heck? Angry teenagers? Wouldn't it be best to go to school when they are super young so they don't remember anything vs. when they're older & ask why mommy isn't around. Am I missing something??? You are the only one with a negative view, by the way.

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Ok. Your opinion is given. So is mine. I guess I look at the big picture. Like when they become angry teenagers. Good luck. I hope it works out for you and you find the day and night care you need. You did come here asking for opinions, by the way, I didn't see where you specified the unicorns and rainbows crap. Like I said, good luck.

"Angry Teenagers"? How exactly does two years of going to school would result in my child becoming an angry teenager? Are you serious??? Lol. Okay, it sounds like you have a big chip in your shoulder and I am not the one to go back and forth. So..you take care.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Everyone has differing opinions on going to school, motherhood, and childcare. Please be respectful of others' opinions.

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Everyone has differing opinions on going to school, motherhood, and childcare. Please be respectful of others' opinions.

I respect and welcome everyone's point of view. That is the purpose of me opening this post. I am aware that everybody do not.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

No child as an adult ever looked back and said "gee, I wish my parents would have stayed in crushing poverty longer so I could have more attention as a child". You need to do what you need to do for your family's future, and don't feel guilty about it.

I would look into in-home daycare (like sitters or relatives) so your kid can sleep in his/her own bed, but I understand these aren't always feasible options.

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No child as an adult ever looked back and said "gee, I wish my parents would have stayed in crushing poverty longer so I could have more attention as a child". You need to do what you need to do for your family's future, and don't feel guilty about it.

I would look into in-home daycare (like sitters or relatives) so your kid can sleep in his/her own bed, but I understand these aren't always feasible options.

Thanks so much! Fortunately my niece is going to help me out! í ½í¸€í ½í¸€

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