mom of 4 starting college

ladybugnurse · Nov 1, 2002

Hi I am a 37 year old mom to 4(17,10,8,4) my husband and younger 3 children are all ready for mom to go to school.

You see I have been homeschooling my children since the oldest was in 2nd grade. Next school year all but the oldest are going to public school for the first time. The oldest is finishing his final year in homeschool.

as I said everyone is all for me going to get my ADN(associate degree in Nursing) except my 17 year old he said I am being selfish and not thinking of what it will cost everyone.

My husband is all for this and is very supportive. I guess I need to hear from others that are going through school with teen and youngers in the house. I need moral support. I feel really guilty about this but this has been my dream since I was 3 years old.

Advice,complaint,moral support all are welcomed.

thanks Nurses and Furture need to stick together.

Jean in Ca.

paula4ms · Nov 1, 2002

I have two teenagers, 18 and 15. I graduated in May after being in college full time for 6 years (we moved halfway through my first program).

I really respect that you listen to your children. I also talk to my kids and like to get their opinions and feelings on issues. But this is your decision and your life. Your 18 yr old will be making decisions for his own life. You will have to respect his decisions and he will have to respect yours.

Good luck, I'm sure you will do great in school! :)

paula4ms · Nov 1, 2002

I have two teenagers, 18 and 15. I graduated in May after being in college full time for 6 years (we moved halfway through my first program).

I really respect that you listen to your children. I also talk to my kids and like to get their opinions and feelings on issues. But this is your decision and your life. Your 18 yr old will be making decisions for his own life. You will have to respect his decisions and he will have to respect yours.

Good luck, I'm sure you will do great in school! :)

jdomep · Nov 2, 2002

GREAT! I too am a mom of 4 (7,5,4,2) and I am in my first semester and I LOVE it!

Your children are at least old enough to help out. But my moto is as long as they are clean/fed/clothes are clean/ and they feel totally LOVED then everything else will come when it comes KWIM?

I had trouble with my oldest too (but he's only 6 LOL) I guess that is just the "1st child thing" and may be if he sees how happy it makes you he'll get over it. You need to do something for YOU! It has done wonders for me.

jdomep · Nov 2, 2002

GREAT! I too am a mom of 4 (7,5,4,2) and I am in my first semester and I LOVE it!

Your children are at least old enough to help out. But my moto is as long as they are clean/fed/clothes are clean/ and they feel totally LOVED then everything else will come when it comes KWIM?

I had trouble with my oldest too (but he's only 6 LOL) I guess that is just the "1st child thing" and may be if he sees how happy it makes you he'll get over it. You need to do something for YOU! It has done wonders for me.

ntigrad · Nov 2, 2002

Hmmm..this could be tricky. I don't have teens but I do have a 10 year old that is going on 16 like all the time, so i will respond anyway. :) Sounds to me like he may be feeling insecure about your decision. Remember that kids of all ages have fears and worries like we do. They don't understand what it is like to graduate from high school, get a job, get married, have kids and devote all your time to those things and finally, after 18-20 years, have the opportunity to do something big for yourself and your family. All they know is that mom is taking on a different role outside of the house and they aren't part of it. I think that this may bother him. Even though he is almost grown and he is going to look at you differently than the others. Ever hear about teenagers who find out their mom is pregnant? They usually gross out because they have confirmation that their mom and dad have sex, and that the whole thing doesn't seem right to them. Mom is Mom not somebody's wife and lover; a regualr person who has wants and needs that he knows nothing about. Allot of women find out that their kids have them in a box of what mom is and does. Being independant of that is not part of it for them. Maybe he fears having more responsibility at home and maybe losing some of his personal time away from home. All I'm suggesting is that he's feeling a loss of some kind and maybe between you and your husband you can find out what it is. Once you do, your problem may be solved. Do some digging and find out what the real trouble is. Good luck!

Jill

ntigrad · Nov 2, 2002

Hmmm..this could be tricky. I don't have teens but I do have a 10 year old that is going on 16 like all the time, so i will respond anyway. :) Sounds to me like he may be feeling insecure about your decision. Remember that kids of all ages have fears and worries like we do. They don't understand what it is like to graduate from high school, get a job, get married, have kids and devote all your time to those things and finally, after 18-20 years, have the opportunity to do something big for yourself and your family. All they know is that mom is taking on a different role outside of the house and they aren't part of it. I think that this may bother him. Even though he is almost grown and he is going to look at you differently than the others. Ever hear about teenagers who find out their mom is pregnant? They usually gross out because they have confirmation that their mom and dad have sex, and that the whole thing doesn't seem right to them. Mom is Mom not somebody's wife and lover; a regualr person who has wants and needs that he knows nothing about. Allot of women find out that their kids have them in a box of what mom is and does. Being independant of that is not part of it for them. Maybe he fears having more responsibility at home and maybe losing some of his personal time away from home. All I'm suggesting is that he's feeling a loss of some kind and maybe between you and your husband you can find out what it is. Once you do, your problem may be solved. Do some digging and find out what the real trouble is. Good luck!

Jill

TeresaRN2b · Nov 2, 2002

I am a mom of 4 (10, 6, 3, and 18 mths) and expecting number 5 late April. I also homeschooled for two years. I am working on general ed classes and will be starting the nursing classes hopefully January 2004. I know what a difficult decision this was for you. This will be a difficult transition, but if you are used to homeschooling then I think you will do great in school yourself. I think it is wonderful you going back. Surround yourself with support and you'll be fine.

Teresa

TeresaRN2b · Nov 2, 2002

I am a mom of 4 (10, 6, 3, and 18 mths) and expecting number 5 late April. I also homeschooled for two years. I am working on general ed classes and will be starting the nursing classes hopefully January 2004. I know what a difficult decision this was for you. This will be a difficult transition, but if you are used to homeschooling then I think you will do great in school yourself. I think it is wonderful you going back. Surround yourself with support and you'll be fine.

Teresa

MelH · Nov 2, 2002

:kiss you have put your dream off long enough!!! Time for you to think of yourself!!! Make your dream happen! I think the 17 year old might feel as if this will take some time away from him/her. Just explain your situation....if they are still upset..time will heal that and he/she will see how happy it makes you! Good luck to you!!

MelH · Nov 2, 2002

:kiss you have put your dream off long enough!!! Time for you to think of yourself!!! Make your dream happen! I think the 17 year old might feel as if this will take some time away from him/her. Just explain your situation....if they are still upset..time will heal that and he/she will see how happy it makes you! Good luck to you!!