Doing pre-reqs....And being a new mom!

iwillbanurse08 · Jan 19, 2008

I just started my pre-reqs. I have a 8yr old daughther and im 24. I had her when i was 16. It took me a little longer to get the courage to get my ged and further my education. You already have a good head start. Trust me it will b worth it in the end. You will have a good paying career (not job) a CAREER!! that will make your daughter proud when she gets to the right age. So just stay motivated and focused and you shoud be just fine. Just be aware that it will get hard at times but turn to that good support system you have and you will be sucessful. I wish the best of luck.

PS let me know how biology turns out later. I have to take that over the summer. :specs:

goingformydream · Jan 19, 2008

it will be worth it! I am so proud of you! I went back to school when my youngest was 1. (I have 4 kids) Advice... study in chunks... study for say 20, then stop for 20 minutes and hang out with your child (of course, there may be times when you only get to study for 5 minutes and your child may need you... stay flexible) If you can, put your lectures on tape so you can walk around cleaning your home, cooking, etc, while listening to lectures. As your child gets older, have age appropriate toys next to you so you can both "work" next to each other. I remember lots of early mornings and late nights while my daughter was asleep. Maybe you can get a swing and have her next to you while you are studying... If you can, get to the library to get in some good study time.

You will have good days and bad days... the good out weighs the bad (otherwise there wouldn't be so many moms on this board) Come on here for support

During your school breaks make the most of family time!

You can do this!!! (oh.. I took my time doing my pre-reqs... 2 years + summers.. was on the waiting list for 8 months... I am starting clinicals on 2/11... )

danissa, LPN, LVN · Jan 19, 2008

Ateal, I was also a young mum, aged 18, had my three kiddos by the time I was 23, then went to nursing school. Yes, it's hard, there are times you will beat yourself up for not being at home with your baby. Times you will feel like its such a struggle to go on. BUT..it can be done, here I am all these years later, my kiddos are grown, and I'm so glad that I did what I did, when I did it. Managed to give these kiddos a great quality of life, holidays away, horses, cars of their own, and plenty food in their bellies with a great roof over their heads. Could not have done that on just the hubs wages. So, in the end, we all reaped the benefits. Stick in there, in the end you will not regret getting a career! Best of luck to you babe!!

modelmama07 · Jan 19, 2008

I have a 11 month old son, he's a handful, but I absolutely love being at home with him and being able to go to school. I'm taking 14 hours right now, 8 of those being Microbiology and A&P II!! I just try to make sure I'm close by him when he's playing so that I can keep and eye on him, every morning I feed him a good breakfast so that I know he's full and that will hold him til nap time. When he goes down for a nap, I'm in the books 100%. Usually when he's playing I'm only really able to focus about 75% because he tends to get into a few things here and there now that he's trying to walk. But my hubby and my mom help out a lot when I have to go to school, I made straight A's last semester so my support system is definitely working. Like someone said earlier, it also works to get alot of early mornings or late nights. But your studies are important and to succeed you do have to buckle down and focus even though it may mean not playing with your baby as much as you would like. But look at it on the bright side, once you finish school you will be able to spend more time and money on your child to give them the best life possible!! My husband is going to school for accounting while also working and we both CAN NOT wait till school is over and done with and we have successful careers. I gets stressful emotionally and financially. But you'll make it! GOOD LUCK KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE!!

Hotflashn · Jan 20, 2008

It is hard to try to go to school with a baby, but you can do it! Like others have mentioned, try studying in chunks and do take time out to just play with your baby. It is important for both of you. You can also try to multitask as much as possible - flashcards, teach your baby and read to her all about whatever you are learning ... tell her all about it in detail, as if she cares - at 6 months her language acquisition is starting in high gear and the more you talk about anything the better. Invest in a digital micro recorder (I have a Sony that comes with software that has saved my life) so you can listen to recorded lectures or record your own audio notes to prepare for tests, and solidify understanding of material. That way you can listen anytime, in the car, around the house, while you are feeding or bathing her, taking her for a walk, making dinner, etc. Though it sounds crazy, as a busy mom (of 5) I make condensed notes that I put in clear, waterproof page protectors that I keep in the shower. That way, I know that while I am washing my hair and shaving my legs I am also reviewing my notes, everyday. I think the steam opens my brain and helps the concepts settle in.

Good luck!