Any other students with children in childcare?

jschut, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2002

I don't think you should feel guilty at all about day care. He could be going to "school" like the big kids do!

And besides, you are going to need that family time when you can grab it. Believe me! (A student who works and goes to school too!)

But whatever avenue you choose, I'm sure your family will profit from it. Good Luck to you!

Julie

kittyw · Jun 10, 2002

When I was finishing my undergrad degree I put my little boy in to daycare two full days the first semester, three full days the next, and full time my last semester. I was lucky enough to get all my classes on the same days and took correspondence courses when I could. I don't regret it a bit! He had more social interaction with his peers and loved going. I felt better knowing that he liked the program and all of his friends there. Now that he's in K, he misses his friends at his old school.

kimtab · Jun 11, 2002

I'd go for the daycare. Just spend the time to find a place you feel good about. Chances ar your son will enjoy the other kids, and you'll get to finish school earlier and spend evenings and weekends with your family together.

janis9799 · Jun 11, 2002

I have been a stay at home mom for the last five and a half years. Periodically, working nights and weekends (cashiering)when we needed some money. My children have always have had a parent at home with them. My oldest starts kindergarten this fall. I always planned some one on one time with my 2 1/2 year old. I planned on starting my prerequisites this fall and doing them at night. As it worked out as a perk for my husband at his job his employer offered to pay for daycare while I go to school. WOO HOO!:roll I wondered if I should still go at night or put him in daycare. I can get more prerequisites done if I go in the day (which may give me more points towards being accepted into the ADN next year). I was going to have to put both boys into daycare for a month this summer while I took my cna class. I checked out the preschool and both boys were really excited about going. So I decided to put my youngest in during the fall. I think he would get bored without his older brother around. I know I am also getting tired of being home all the time. My brain is getting mushy and I am getting very bored.:zzzzz I felt guilty too even though I know there are a ton of benefits for the boys if they go to daycare. They will learn how to deal with other kids more, if I am happier they will be happier. Also I could give them alot more once I have a good job. I am pretty comfortable with the decision now. They are excited, I am excited. I think it also teaches them a good lesson about doing things for yourself not just everyone else. It is important lesson to learn that every so often we need to be good to ourselves, because as a SAHM/or even a working mom it is easy to worry about everyone else's needs and forget our own.

Did I mention how excited I am to start school soon? The boys start school in six days and I get a week home alone before my CNA class starts! I am looking forward to a little alone time.

amblessing · Jun 11, 2002

My vote is for child care! But, do what's best for your family and your little guy. A quality program can be a wonderful educational experience for a 4-year old (and not to mention mom!).

Good Luck!

Lisa2902 · Jun 11, 2002

I stopped working 1-year ago in May to stay home with my newborn son. He is now 1-year-old and I will be starting ADN in the fall. I was always leary of putting a small child in daycare (hence, thats why I stayed home the first year) but now that he will be over 1-year of age I'm not as fearful. I have very few "guilty" feelings over putting him in daycare. I look at it like this ... what I am doing by going to school and furthering myself and my education is helping to ensure that my children will have a better, brighter future. I also hope that my going to college will set and example and help to inspire my children to do the same. My only concern with my 1-year-old is his adjusting to the daycare setting. After all, he is quite the mommy's and daddy's boy. I had planned to start taking him a few weeks before school starts and breaking him into daycare gently. I hoping that by doing it this way he will be more comfortable in daycare and, as well, I will be able to tell if he's comfortable with the care givers.

Love-A-Nurse · Jun 12, 2002

When I was in LPN school in 1990, my children at the time I started were 10 (5th grade), 3 (Pre-school), and 1 (baby sitter). It was hard getting some one I could trust to see after them until I returned from school. This lady whom I shall never forget, charged me not one red penny to see after them and I gave her when I could and I did take food for them so they could have it in the evenings. My drive from school was 1 hr each way. but we made it. When I start this Fall, I will be 42, and my children, 22, 15 (10th), 13 (8th).

The point, simple, I had the same concerns but I stepped out on faith. I quit my job as an Nursing assistant because my employer would not pay for my schooling and I said to myself, I am going! I had one nurse (RN) tell me I would not make it.....well, here I am a former nursing assistant, an LPN of nearly 11 years and will start RN clinicals this Fall (2002). When God is for you, no one can be against you!

The time will go by quickly.....I really needed to get that out....because nobody asked me!

OBNURSEHEATHER · Jun 12, 2002

Please don't feel guilty about putting your son in daycare. The socialization will be wonderful for him. And it will create more quality time if your days are free to do the necessary things, leaving evenings for some family time. You also have the added benefit of the older child going to kindergarten. All children will have some initial anxiety over being separated from their parents, but he'll see his big brother doing it, and want to do it too.

Good luck to you whatever you decide!

Heather

allthingsbright · Jun 12, 2002

Thank you all for your wonderfully supportive replies.

I have decided to take things one semster at a time, because I am feeling a bit overwhelmed! This fall I am taking pre reqs, will have my oldest son in junior kindergarten and my youngest son in childcare 2 days a week for 4 hours each day. Next spring I will do the same and take the remainder of my classes that dont require clinicals (Micro, A&P, History). Next fall I will decide what to do. I can go evenings/and two wkends a month and get my LPN in 17 months then bridge to RN w/ 3 clinical classes, or I can go days and get my ADN in 4 semesters. I'll just have to see where I am at at that point.

I like what someone said about stepping out in faith. I feel that I am just "meant to be" a nurse. Perhaps thats silly to some people, but I know that God will work this out for me and my family if I pray for wisdom!

Your advice out there has been priceless-REALLY! This forum rocks! :):):)

rachyrach · Jun 26, 2002

I STARTED NURSING SCHOOL 10 YRS AGO AND THE FIRST SEMESTER I FOUND OUT I WAS PREGNANT. GONNA BE A MOM NOW SO I STAYED HOME UNTIL THEY (YES, A SECOND SOON AFTER) STARTED SCHOOL.....I SIGNED UP TO START AGAIN AND FOUND OUT I WAS PREGNANT! SO THIS TIME I SAID I WASNT GOING TO WAIT. HE WAS 2 MON. OLD WHEN I STARTED AND NOW 2 YEARS LATER I HAVE 2 LEFT TO GO AND MY BABY IS DOING GREAT. MY OLDER BOYS NEVER GOT THE SOCIAL INTERACTION THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD. BY HAVING MY 2 YR OLD IN DAYCARE HE SPOKE EARLY, WALKED EARLY AND NOW HES 27 MON. AND CAN COUNT TO 5. THE DAYCARE HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB. IM VERY PROUD OF MYSELF AND DONT FEEL AT ALL SELFISH. HES HAPPY AND SOON I WILL HAVE A JOB I LOVE. I ALSO THINK IT WILL HELP WITH HIS ADJUSTMENT INTO KINDERGARTEN WHEN THE TIME COMES. GO GIRL!!! YOUR CHILD WILL BE FINE. ASK AROUND ABOUT THE DAYCARES REPUTATION TOO.

fnimat1 · Jun 26, 2002

Amy,

There is no need to feel guilty. You have to do what you have to do. I'm 29 and have been a SAHM for most of my 20's. It's time for me to get going...lol....I got my accecptance letter yesterday, I have 3 children, 2 dd's who are 7(8 in a couple of weeks), 6, an 18 mth. old son and expecting my 4th child January 9. So the way I see I have no choice but to pursue my dreams, not just for my sake but for my children's sake. My ds is starting daycare in the Fall, I'm very nervous about it, but I found a center that I love. They also take infants so in the Fall of 2004, my little baby will be going too. I know it's going to be hard, but he/she will be a little older. I have always been the primary caregiver to my children, so it's going to take a lot of adjusting. Don't worry, you'll be fine and so will your son.

Fatima

"FutureRN"