Anyone have small children?

Several of my classmates have multiple children. Most of us are married. And, a couple have newborns. It just depends what you want. We are all willing to give up a lot in order to gain a lot in the end. Unfortunately, I think you are the only one that will able to sit down and evaluate yourself to get the answers you are looking for. I can assure you that the program is very demanding and time consuming. However, I'd rather work now and play later. I didn't want to be lifting help when I'm pushing 60 years old. I'd rather use my head at that age.

You're right. Its a personal decision. Fortunately, I am in a position where I can put it off for a couple of years. I can't get that time back with my son while he's little, and I can afford not to work.

I wont sugar coat it - you will miss 28 months (or whatever your program is) of your childs life. You will have many, many times where you feel guilty and torn between school and family. A personal decision to be weighed thoughtfully by yourself and your family.

I wont sugar coat it - you will miss 28 months (or whatever your program is) of your childs life. You will have many, many times where you feel guilty and torn between school and family. A personal decision to be weighed thoughtfully by yourself and your family.

See, but 28 months isn't a big price to pay for gaining the ability to provide for them without issue. Won't have to work nights / weekends / holidays anymore for the rest of your life. It really opens a lot of doors in the long run.

See, but 28 months isn't a big price to pay for gaining the ability to provide for them without issue. Won't have to work nights / weekends / holidays anymore for the rest of your life. It really opens a lot of doors in the long run.

I totally agree. Also think of the example you're making for your kids. I'm doing it now while my kids are young. It will be incredibly hard to be away from them during school but I think it would be harder on them if I were to do this when they were older. Chances are, they won't remember much of the experience at all.

I agree with Summit , I would rather go back to school when the kids are very young. It's when they get older, they need you the most. Examples: PTA meetings, afterschool activities, etc. I would like to be done with all my school education before the kids get very active in their own lives. I want to be able available for their Saturday games instead of studying for my own exams.

I don't know. I'm reading the typical day thread, and I know its only temporary, but 2 years is a long time to live that way when your babies are little. I'd be basically going from a full time mom, to a part time student when my son gets to preschool age, to a full time ICU job once he's in kindergarten (but that can be worked around his schedule) to THAT! Wow, I'd never see him! I expected AS would be a FULL time job, but not a ROUND THE CLOCK job...

Any hope for someone who MUST spend quality family time or should I choose another specialty? I'm feeling so deflated.

I have to agree with everyone on this one. Your right, it is a very hard decision to make. I have a 3 yr old and an 8month old. You just have to remember to outweigh the risks. For anything thats worth having, your going to have to work hard at it and make some major sacrifices. I graduate May 10 2009, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!!!

Best wishes and hope this helps

Each family is so very different I think its hard to advise what will work well for your family. However I think you need to look at a few key points (I am sure others can think of many more key points to add to my starter list)

1. is your spouse supportive and helpful with the kids?

2. do you have family that lives locally and will help?

3. your kids personalities (may sound strange but you know each child tolerates seperation/less attention better than others)

4. finances - kiddos may like spagetti Oh's but can they really eat them every day :) FYI a 4 year old tolerates moderate poverty better than a 14 year old.........