I do not know how I am going to balance this? My children are 3 1/2 and 8 months old.
I registered for a online Math & online Humanities class for Spring 2008. One week into the semester I have already had to drop my courses - I have no time to read / study or do assignments! Everytime I would sit down to do some homework, I was interrupted. Of course my children come first - but I was hoping to have a few hours to myself during the day to study. My husband is gone most of the day so that is not an option. I work 12 hour shifts on the weekends. At this time online is the only way. Should I wait until I can actually attend on campus so that I have that time just for me?
Advice needed, I may try this again in Summer or Fall 2008
Hi Katesmom! You can do this. I decided to go back to school when my kids were 2.5 and 2 months old. It's been a long road. I finished my pre-reqs a year ago and will be applying for my 3rd time this spring. Since I have not been accepted into any programs yet, I took a CNA class and am now enrolled in an EMT course. I keep taking classes because I love them and also because I'm a little afraid if I stop it will be harder to get back in the swing of it. I would recommend taking one class at a time and try to do it on campus so you at least get that time to yourself. As for study time, take whatever you can get. There were many nights that I was up until 3am because I was on a roll and the house was quiet. I'm the mom at the park and the gym with flashcards. My oldest has even helped quiz me with them. I also set up "homework time" at the kitchen table for me and my kids with paper, stickers, crayons, markers, books, gluesticks... they love it. My daughter loves that her teacher gives her a little homework now. I swear it's because she has been raised seeing me study. Just take one class/day at a time. It's not as overwhelming if you focus on one task at a time. Sometimes I'm in shock at how much I've been able to accomplish in school, it's like a blur now. You can get through it if you commit to it. Good luck with school and your family! :redbeathe
Don't be hard on yourself if it's too much! Your little one is only 8 months old. I started back at school when my daughter was 1 and my son was 4. I only have been doing 1 class at a time and it was better for me to actually have to leave to go to class. My husband would get home about 6pm and I was out the door. I know that I couldn't do online classes because it would be too hard for me to make the time. It's easier for me to go to class and take the time if that makes sense. Try only doing one class if you want to or wait till your baby is a little older. Some people are super stars and can do it all exceptionally well but everyone has their own pace that they need to work & live at to suceed. Best wishes!
Specializes in Tele Step Down, Oncology, ICU, Med/Surg.
It helps if you are an insomniac and wake up at 2am to read pharmacology text books....who needs Ambien when you can run through some NCLEX practice questions until you get sleepy.
Hi! When I saw this, I just had to write. Many times I feel the same way. Too overwhelmed with work, school and having a baby, to concentrate on school. My first semester I took a 13 hrs. my son was a then 6 months. I dropped some of those courses, and since I have been taking one or two each term. I finished last semester with my AS in Arts(my son is almost 3 yrs now), and I hope I will get into nursing school soon, but if not I know that I will try try again, and keep taking classes. It may only be one or two at a time, but at least your trying right? Don't beat yourself up about this first semester, it is really hard to do the online classes when you have a little one at home. I've done all ITV, Internet, and classroom classes, and I have to say that for the harder subjects especially math..people usually need to be in the classroom to understand the material. And sometimes its easier as a mom to have a mapped out time to set for classes each week. Don't beat yourself up too much mama! You tried your best!
I didn't read all the replies so if this is repeat sorry.
2 things...
first...you CAN do it. You can. If you set your mind to something you can get it done. Good luck to you.
The second...and not to sound negative...but to motivate you....I think even with 2 kids if you really look at the day and where you spend your time you'll discover you had time to study.
I started school with a 1 year old...and graduated RN with a 5 year old and 3 year old twins. I KNOW you can find time. I worked overnights LTC night shift 20 hours a week. I got alot of studying done between rounds. I slept a little less each night and studied late at night. My family supported me in studying. My husband lived in a cluttered house...cleaned the bare minimum. He cooked. I cooked and froze food. We ate more quick food than I like to admit. IT WAS WORTH IT. I'll make more my first year as an RN as dh and I made combined last year. You have to prioritize. Make dates with your oldest child. It's hard...and will tug at your heart when you can't play...but tell them "mommy needs to study right now...can you go play? I won't forget our date for XXX" My kids played ALOT of playdough..and watched prabably too much TV. (luckily new studies are showing it is NOT linked to adhd.)
So...that was longer than I intended...but I just wanted you to know it's possible. Find what works for you...and keep plugging away. It was HARD...and long, and at times ALMOST unbearable. Keep going.
I have a seven month old and a three and a half year old and I'm taking 12 hours of pre-reqs for a BSN. I've been doing them on and off since before kids, with one kid and now with two.
I don't remember if you said if you had a support system, but if you don't then find one: other students with kids, babysitters, etc.
I have a hard time studying at home too. It's hard for me to make myself study if I know I only have, say, an hour. I always want to wait until I have a larger chunk of time, but that rarely comes.
My kids go to daycare during the day (student loans are paying for it) and I'm supposed to study in between classes at school. This first week has been brutal, but next weeks going to be better, hopefully.
Oh, and like so many others said: YOU CAN DO THIS! Make a plan, get organized, stick to it and try again! (That's what I've done and it seems to be working.) :)
chickapea
220 Posts
Hi Katesmom! You can do this. I decided to go back to school when my kids were 2.5 and 2 months old. It's been a long road. I finished my pre-reqs a year ago and will be applying for my 3rd time this spring. Since I have not been accepted into any programs yet, I took a CNA class and am now enrolled in an EMT course. I keep taking classes because I love them and also because I'm a little afraid if I stop it will be harder to get back in the swing of it. I would recommend taking one class at a time and try to do it on campus so you at least get that time to yourself. As for study time, take whatever you can get. There were many nights that I was up until 3am because I was on a roll and the house was quiet. I'm the mom at the park and the gym with flashcards. My oldest has even helped quiz me with them. I also set up "homework time" at the kitchen table for me and my kids with paper, stickers, crayons, markers, books, gluesticks... they love it. My daughter loves that her teacher gives her a little homework now. I swear it's because she has been raised seeing me study. Just take one class/day at a time. It's not as overwhelming if you focus on one task at a time. Sometimes I'm in shock at how much I've been able to accomplish in school, it's like a blur now.
You can get through it if you commit to it. Good luck with school and your family! :redbeathe