Calling All Mothers

allnurses Guide · Sep 22, 2007

I studied at the college library. Or in the evening after the kids went to bed. Or up early before they got up.

Of course my youngest was in 1st grade when I went back to school. You have your hands full. I'm not sure there is an answer for sibling squabbles . . .it has been around since Adam and Eve.

I know other moms will be here to help you out.

I wish you the best.

steph

regularRN · Sep 22, 2007

I always find that if my daughter thinks she is doing something she isn't supposed to be doing, she will be occupied for hours!

Lately this involves making a big mess with various containers of water, bubbles and food coloring or paint to make "potions". Of course, she has to be outside or in the bathroom where clean up is easy.

Jo Dirt · Sep 23, 2007

I went to school with two little ones. I got in the habit of going to bed when they went to bed, which was usually around 8pm, then getting up at about 2am and studying until it was time to get them ready for daycare and to school.

Once it became a habit this set up worked wonders.

SiennaGreen · Sep 23, 2007

I feel your pain. I am "simply" cranking out pre req's but back in college after 17 yrs, with a 6yr old, 3yr old, and 7 mos. old at home...it does get difficult. Take a breather. My suggestions:

We are investing in pre school. This atleast gives me 2 hr blocks when the baby naps three morning a week. If you can eek some extra cash for child care- do so!

If not, I agree- up early and after they go to bed. (I should be studying now...)

The best thing I did was decide that the only things that really mattered right now are the well being of my family and studying. My friends will have to understand that I simply cannot yack on the telephone anymore. We do not get to take family vacations to visit Grandma and Grandpa. They come here. Guess what? They spend a lot of one on one quality time with their grandkids while they're here too! I do not clean my house when I have a free hand or a spare minute- I get out my A&P book. I clean house and do laundry once a week and everyone pitches in now.

Honestly, I'm sure you are doing an amazing job and you are simply feeling the pressure right now. There will be many moments of meltdown, but tomorrow will come and likely, you will be just fine! Give yourself some grace and just put one foot in front of the other.

Best wishes!

BookwormRN · Sep 23, 2007

My youngest was 2 when I went back and started my pre-reqs....I always did my studying during nap time or at night after everyone was in bed. (I am an evening person anyway.)

That was the ONLY way I could make it work. Good luck to you! You'll make it! Just believe that you can.

rnmomtobe2010 · Sep 23, 2007

The worst part of it all is I had help. My husband decided to become a truck driver so that I could got to school and not have to worry about working and taking care of the kids, house and etc... I also have NO family where I am . My mother made the comment the other day "see, if you where here, I could help you with the kids the days I am not at school myself." I felt so awful and tempted to pack all of my stuff and move back home. But then, I know it is NOT worth the move. Memphis sucks. The crime rate and the schools are ridiculus. I love it where I am. I just need to relax,relate and release. I have basically taken on the role of a single mother in the absense of the hubby. I love him for all that he is doing, but......

Mommy2NQ · Sep 23, 2007

I cannot take it anymore. I need to know what kind of activities do you mothers give to your kids to keep the occupied/busy while you are studying? I don't like to read as it is, and I have honestly motivated myself to start doing whatever it takes to pass. Not reading won't get me too far. I have just come to the conclusion that my success depends upon me and I can't blame anyone but myself if I fail because I am too lazy to do something as simple as read. Now saying all of that, please mothers, give me some good suggestions me keep my 5 year old and my 19 month old busy while I study. All of the interruptions and the he hit me's and the I am bored and the pick me up's have played out with me. Pleas help. I am at the end of the ropes with this one.:uhoh21:

Well I am in the same situation. I have a 4 year old and two year old. They fight, they bicker, and whine and claim boredom (4 year old does) and as bad as it sounds If I am studying for my A&P test or others, I put a movie in for them. It is my last resort but we do what we have to do sometimes. :uhoh3:

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 23, 2007

I started college when my youngest two kids were 1 1/2 and 4, respectively, and the eldest two were 7 and 10. Fortunately, I had some help---my hubby worked nights and my sister lived with us as well, and she would watch the kids during the day until he could take over around three PM so I could study when I got home from school.

But it was still a real challenge.......I was the family disciplinarian, and of course living in a three-bedroom apartment where I could hear every single "WILL YOU STOP TOUCHING ME?!" made it tough to concentrate. I had to learn to accept help---as imperfect as it was---or I'd never have made it through. It meant ignoring the arguments and the occasional fisticuffs while I studied, and letting my hubby or my sister deal with them. It also meant lowering my standards of domestic cleanliness and eating dinners that I myself would not have chosen had I been available to cook...........but thanks to everyone's efforts, I did get through my two years of pre-req's and then the nursing program.

And so will you. It's never an easy thing to attend college when you have young children at home, no matter how much or how little help you have. But the satisfaction of completing nursing school, and the enhanced income you'll enjoy once you have your license, more than makes up for the hard times. And when you graduate, you'll have not only a proud spouse, but your KIDS will even be proud of what you've accomplished.........and that's a great feeling!! Hang in there---it's worth it, it really is!!

leslie :-D · Sep 23, 2007

my entire school experience was based on me going to bed at 3am and getting up at 6.

i really tried to do and be it all...mom, wife, student.

my adrenaline must have kept me going during those yrs.

family shared ongoing concerns about the wt loss and dark circles under my eyes, but i never felt close to collapse- until after i passed the nclex.

and i vegged for a month straight.

i think we all do what we have to.

priorities are different for ea of us but the goals are the same- to graduate nsg school.

see yourself through this.

one day you will look back on this nightmare, and smile.

best of everything to you.

leslie

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2007

Sage advice, as usual, Marla! I have to agree. What a wonderful example you are providing your kids about setting goals and achieving them; not to mention the importance of education. :w00t: It is also teaching them that things don't always have to be perfect and the world will still rotate on its axis.

jnrsmommy · Sep 23, 2007

When I was in school, my girls were 3 & 2. I never could get in any study time w/ them interrupting me or fighting w/ each other. I did finally find a solution that worked for me. I'm a natural night owl, so I spent my evenings w/ my girls (alleviated the guilt factor), and went to bed when they did (btwn 8 and 830). Then I got up btwn 1230 and 1am, and from then until 530 was my study time. Definitely does not work for a majority of ppl, but it worked wonders for me.