How can I manage school, work, & family??

FuturePedRN2016, CNA · Dec 18, 2013

I am so grateful for this post because I too have 3 sons (17-who will start college in the fall, 13 and 9) and a husband as well who works out of state constantly. How can I work this....Thanks for giving me hope.

Larry3373 · Dec 18, 2013

Turtle method. You may not study all the time, but as long as you're consistently plugging away at it, you'll be surprised what you accomplish. Read high yield materials like lecture notes and Review books. Study for a few hours consistently every day (probably while kids and husband are sleeping). I agree with praying too!

carefulcare · Dec 19, 2013

Get some good crock pot recipes.
Meal plan, including leftovers. Put some in the freezer, too, for easy dinners later, so you're not eating the same thing 4 nights in a row.
Google 30 minute recipes. You'll find some good stuff that way, too.
Make a list of quick, easy, healthy snacks, and keep them on hand. I like eating things like grapes or cherry tomatoes sometimes when I'm studying.
Schedule as best you can, but be flexible, because inevitably, stuff will come up. I also agree about the family wall calendar- that really helps to keep everyone on the same page!
Include time for yourself, or you'll go nuts. For me, running is my sanity. Find what works for you.
Carry a textbook with you everywhere. You'll find random times to study all over the place! I was able to download the ATI books on my phone, so I was able to read a bit in line at random places and such. I also carry notecards with me.
Dropping down your hours will help with time. Just be sure to budget accordingly, and have some extra aside for extra costs that will come up with school (unfortunately, it happens).
Definitely lower your expectations of keeping the perfect house or yard, an immaculate car, or fabulous dinners. Recruit your husband to take over as much of this as possible. If you have the spare cash, a housekeeper once or twice a month can be great (I WISH I could do this!!).
Study away from home. One of my favorite things to do (this is actually one of the few things I CAN do at home) is get on the treadmill and walk slowly at an incline while reading. I can't write and do this, but I can review Powerpoints and read the ATI books online this way very easily (I use my laptop), or I can review notecards. Otherwise, I'm at Starbucks or the campus library, writing a paper, making notecards, etc. I also carry my own snacks, so that I'm not tempted to buy pastries or other junk food (though I do get coffee).

Thanks for this ! I need to try the crockpot

maj0079 · Dec 19, 2013

I am a single mom with a 3 and 2 yr old. Life will be rough, but I have a great support system. We moved in with my parents so my mom can help me with my kids. They understand that I will be very busy and not have alot of time for much for the next 15 months. Such a blessing to have them help me. I have started the calendar too since my kids are in activities. I also went and got some lunch boxes and stuff for me. My mom knows she will be doing all the meal planning! Good luck!