Grad school when kids are young or wait until they're older?

[sjsa82]

I am so looking forward to going on to grad school! By the time I'm able to though, my kids will be 3, 6 and 8. That means two will be in school but the youngest will still be home. My husband is incredibly supportive and an amazing father, and my mother-in-law is our babysitter when we need one (she's wonderful as well). I will probably work part time and go to school part time. I believe I can do it, though I know it won't be easy.

But, am I crazy?

I've heard others say that it can be even harder once they're older and are so involved in extracirricular activities, need to be driven to practices and games, and need more help with thier own homework, but maybe they're just saying that to be encouraging. Anyone with experience want to share thier wisdom? :)

[Juliespassion, RN]

what are you going to school for??? RN LPN???

[sjsa82]

I'll graduate with my RN in December, have to work for a year, and then plan on applying for Frontier's bridge program to become a CNM.

[SCSTxRN]

Speaking as a mother with children currently ranging in age from 6 to 20, teenagers are snarky and difficult, as a rule. For me, my 2nd oldest two were (and are) rotten about me going to school. They want their laundry done, their chauffeur service uninterrupted, and money. My oldest (who was a foster child) and my younger two were much more understanding. My 8 year old is getting to the demanding stage where it's all, "why are you still on the computer? (get off so I can play my game) you're always writing papers!"

I say GO NOW.

[ICU_JOSIE, MSN, RN]

I had 2 jobs ( full time bedside and part time teaching) plus a mom to 2 girls (11 and 9). I'm just glad I have a very supportive husband when I went for grad school. It sure was a lot of work but I'm glad I took the plunge when the kids were still young. If I can do it, so can you! : )

[mom2cka]

Mine are 12, 5 and 3... much easier when they're young. less guilt, too :)

[CCRNDiva, BSN, RN]

I wish I would have went to grad school when my kids were younger. I have an 11 and 17 year old and my 17 year old complains a lot more about my schedule (working FT and school PT). It's not even like she wants to spend so much time with me, I think she just likes having me home. Sometimes I think she is truly angry with me for being a student. My 11 yr old is much more supportive but I can tell he misses me.

I think it is much easier to go when they are young. How much do you remember of your early childhood? I know I remember my teen years much more than those elementary years.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I vote for go now, because you never know what life will hand you. The opportunity may not exist years down the line. I waited until my kids were in middle school and high school, and got a lot of whining.."Why can't you drive us?", "Why are you always studying?", etc. However, they were helpful in that they did their own laundry, pitched in with cooking, and were able to stay home alone for a while if they had a cold or some other minor illness.

It's going to require adjustments on everyone's part no matter when you go. You might as well go now.

[May2013]

You are lucky that you have a very god support system=your husband and mother-in-law. I would say go now when they are young. I am currently in the FNP program and I started two years ago when my kids were 8, 4 and 2 years old. Now I have 3 more semesters to go and I am glad that I started when they are still young. Yes I did feel guilty that I missed some of their school activities but I figure that they would not remember these years very much. I will graduate when my oldest starts middle school and that is when kids need more guidance the most. Middle school is tough these days from what I was told. I wish you luck.

[PNicholas]

Our situations are so similar! My kids will be 12, 11, 9, 7 when I should be in grad school. The main reason I don't want to wait until later is I don't want to pay for my college and theirs!! LOL