How to deal with Kids? When you are prepareing for NCLEX

hikernurse · Sep 23, 2009

Naps (for your little one, LOL), videos, coloring books...In NS I had a box of new toys (cheap ones like PEZ, etc.) that I would pull something out of when I needed time to study.

I literally had to study in 5-10 minute increments for school because of my kiddos. I made it work because I often had no other choice. I also was very good at studying with a small one on my lap.

Figure out what time you study best at and work your child's sleep around that. If you are a morning person, keep your little one up later at night and get up early to study while they sleep in.

I also recommend just getting the darn test over with; the stress of it hanging over you is not helping you. Just decide your test date is non-negotiable and go from there :).

If nothing else, your child is still young enough that a month of mom studying is not likely to be remembered.

You'll get through this!!! Best wishes to you.

ladyD123 · Sep 23, 2009

hikernurse said it all. I have kids too, i study when they are sleeping.

i have tried all strategies to divert their attentions when im reading but they didnt work.

reading when they are sleeping works very well for me, i read very early in the morning from 3am-6am.

we can make it like others.

goodluck.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

Stay up super late or get up super early... Or let them play in the bathtub while you study in the bathroom with them. Or, put a chair up to the sink and let them splash in the sink. Either way should give you a good half hour to study. Nap time would be the best time, though! (though I am sure that is when you want to get the house work done or rest yourself!)

-alwaysbelieve- · Sep 23, 2009

i have 2 kids myself, a 3yr old and a 1 yr old...i studying when i put them to sleep...i put them to sleep between 7:30 - 8:00pm then at 8:30 i start to study...and i study until 12 and then go to sleep so i can rest... as a parent you cannot afford to run yourself down...so i think that even if you study 2-3 hours a day will be a big help already...as long as u keep it consistent you'll be fine...also its good to get ur kids into a routine, cz having a routine helps keep them more calm and relaxed bec they already know what to expect and it will be much more easier for u to deal with them...

good luck to all the mothers out there!!! we can do this...

sharpeimom · Sep 23, 2009

our ywca has several programs for kids of both genders. some for ages 3-5, some for 3-6, others for kids in grades 1-4 plus a babysitting program that is available varied hours and cost is negligible for moms who are y members. many yms also have similar programs for both boys and girls that don't cost much. both ys have programs that include homework hours plus any necessary tutoring for grades 1-4 plus snacks. preschool programs include story time, snacks, crafts, running around time, games etc. our public library also has programs for moms and 1+ age kids. first there's an interactive story hour with bitty kids on mom's laps, than a program so moms can go study elsewhere in the building. also, try inviting a trad age student home for a meal or two in exchange for some child/baby entertaining. the college kids here love it! or if you have a washer and dryer, let a student do their laundry in exchange for child care. dorm laundries are horrible, funky smelling, gross, disgusting plus expensive. also spooky at night.

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

ehlay · Sep 24, 2009

hi jabwemet...i'm a mom of 2 years old kid... what i've been doing is

1. 6:00am prepare breakfast for hubby (go to work)... while my daughter still sleeping (extra time for me to study)...

2. after her breakfast allow my kid to watch her fav. videos like barney,baby einstein,spongebob.. plus don't forget her snacks... (extra time to study )

3. 11:00am prepare for lunch spend almost 2 hours with her then...

4. nap time (another extra 2 hours of me to study)

5. 2:00-3:00pm when she wakes up from nap i give her some toys: surprise her with toys that she never used. and sometimes give her 2 story books with colored pictures. again her 2nd snacks.this way she will spend half time looking at those pictures ( again another extra time for me to study.)

6. 5:00pm prepare dinner for her and for hubby (back fr. work)... and let them spend together till night while me at the other room studying till 12mn

btw. i made the living room kid friendly (making sure when i'm in the other room i know she's safe)

it helps me alot as long as your consistent to the schedule all will be fine.

JarOfPennies · Sep 24, 2009

I just passed my NCLEX this month and I can totally relate. I have two little ones and a husband that works long hours. Here are some things that worked for me:

1. Get organized. Even if it means writing out a plan for what you want to get accomplished as far as what you want to study for that week... right down to how much time you will need to have each day to get your daily goal done. Then STICK to your plan.

2. Wake up 2 hours before the kids wake up and study then.

3. Study during naptime and for 2 hours after they go to bed. (Make sure you give them a consistent bed time - say 8pm - so that you will be sure to get quality study time before your batteries run out). There! That just gave you 5 hours of study time in a day!

4. Get some CDs with practice NCLEX questions and set a goal for how many you want to do each day. I found this to be easy to do with little ones around because there is no time limit and it's OK if you get interrupted. My computer was on and ready to go all day long and I would pop in and out doing 10 questions here and there.

5. Make flashcards with things you want to remember such as lab values, drugs, disease processes that you have difficulty with, or whatever. Carry your flashcards everywhere and pull them out when you are at a stop light, or your child is in the bathtub, or while you are cooking dinner.

6. On your husband's days off, make an agreement with him to take care of the kids and then you LEAVE THE HOUSE. Go to the library and get a few hours of good, quality, uninterrupted study time.

7. Enroll in the NCSBN's online NCLEX review course. Prices go from $49 on up, depending on how many weeks you sign up for. The course is available 24/7 - great for studying late at night or early in the morning.

Just set your plan and stick with it. Determination and consistency are your best friends. It will be challenging, but no more challenging than what you did in nursing school.

Good luck!!

jabwemet · Sep 24, 2009

Thanks alot for your reply when are you taking your exam