Any other students with children in childcare?

[allthingsbright]

Hi everyone.

I am starting w/ pre reqs this fall and next fall will have to decide either to put my then 4 yr old son in a childcare program during the week while I am at school, or get my LPN nights and weekends then take an RN bridge.

It seems more logical school-wise to put my ds in childcare and finish my ADN in 3 semesters other than to prolong things, but I feel guilty about putting my kid in daycare.

I have been a stay at home for 5 years and have another son who will be starting kindergarten next fall. I think we will actually have more family time if my youngest son is in daycare and I attend day classes- because I wont be gone nights and weekends. BUT I *feel* like I am being selfish or something? I am 29 yrs old and so excited about nursing school and so ready to jump in...just trying to find the best way to do things and I dont want to wait 3 more yrs until my youngest is in kindergarten (he missed the age cutoff).

Just looking for words of wisdom out there and I'd like to hear how other moms handle this.

Thanks so much,

Amy :)

[pkmom]

I'm sort of struggling with the same thing. I think the social interaction will be great, but my son gets sick so easily and my husband is dead set against daycare, even though our son will be about 30 paces from his office. he will only be in there 4 hrs a day 3days a week, so I hope that will be enough time for me to get my stuff done. If not, I may work out a trade off system with a friend with young kids too. She can do her thing while I keep her kids for a few hours, and I can study while she keeps mine.

[ashemson]

I have three daughters, ages 8, 4, and almost 2. I am going nights for 2 more semesters to finish my last prereq's, then when it is time to start nursing classes, my middle daughter will be in kindergarden, and my youngest will go to the on campus day care with me probably. I have only been a SAHM for about 2 years, and I don't really have a problem with childcare. I know alot of mom's feel guilty about it, but they have spent some very precious years at home with you, and they will be fine! Good luck!!

[marci3335]

I think that a good quality pre-school would benefit him and prepare him for school.

I had my son in a Montessori school that also had a Kindergarten. This was nice for several reasons. The K program went until 3pm (6 hours) and then they had fun/playtime until the parent came to pick up. They had a better curriculum than public K which was only 2 hours a day! He learned music, art, and science. It really prepared him for 1st grade in public school. By the time he got to 1st grade he was reading at a 3rd grade level and was well educated in other areas as well. If you search for a good program (which are usually more expensive:o ) it will actually be a good thing for all of you.

I'm currently finishing up my pre-req's and have a 2 yr old daughter. I have a Nanny who comes to my house while I'm at school 3 days a week. When I start the nursing program next yr I'll have her go to Montessori 2-3 days a week to get her feet wet. Good luck and don't feel guilty- you sound like a caring and wonderful Mom!!! :)

Marci

[Forevermomof5]

I have been a stay at home mom for over twelve years and to be honest, I feel a little guilty not socializing my kids more! They have all done fine once they were in school but just like we do, they need to get out too!

I have to put my 21 month old daughter in child care this fall too when I start the program. It's ok and it'll all work out.

I think the break will be good for all of you!