How do you study with a baby?!?

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Hello all! I'm a first Qtr NS and am having a hard time finding time to get Hw done, read and complete all the activities for my classes. I have a 9 month old and everyone that offered to help watch him (my hubby watches baby while I'm at school and then goes to work) when I got into NS seems to be MIA now that I'm in! I've never gone to school w a child and not used to not being able to study for hours on end. So to all the parents out there w little ones and are in NS or graduated...how did you study and when???? I feel like I never have time with him and class and working 2 days/week!

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Do you financially have to work? If not, how do you feel about not working anymore?

Can you study while your baby sleeps? Is your baby on a schedule where he naps at certain times?

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Specializes in Tele.

Simple, you study while the baby is sleeping. Until your kiddo is old enough to play on their own, this is just something you have to deal with. Try to get the baby on nine o'clock bedtime. Not easy but you can get it to work. I have a ten month old and thats what I do. Good luck!

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I have a 10 month old - his dad helps a lot but when it's just me and the baby and I need to study I usually go in his room, close the door and put all his toys all over the floor. I know they're bad but he has a walker and that usually keeps him busy for a while. I also can get some reading done at the kitchen table while he's in his high chair eating (but my floor is a mess lol).

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Yep, a regular routine is key. I started NS with 4yo twins and a 2yo. I spent many a sleepless night studying after the kids knocked off. You just have to find a way to power through.

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Thank you for your replies. Unfortunately I still need to work Fri and Sat but am hoping soon to not have to. My son takes 2 naps a day, one is when I am at school, as I don't usually get home until 1-2ish from class. Then he 'sometimes' takes a nap at like 2:30-3ish for another 1-2hrs. He usually in asleep by 7-730p which is nice, but after I get him to bed...I only have the energy to study til 10. :( I guess I will just need to get used to functioning on no sleep...I'm used to not getting sleep (I haven't slept well for over a year due to pregnancy and my baby waking up all night)...just not used to studying and learning while tired. Caffeine much? :)

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

If you have a smart phone, get apps that will let you do NCLEX questions on it. You can use it then to review information and practice answering those questions as a means of taking in information in all kinds of situations - waiting in line at the store/bank, while baby is eating, etc.

It sounds like you have a great schedule and having baby in bed by 7:30 is great. A three hour stretch of studying is actually optimal for your absorption, so you are probably doing just fine.

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Specializes in OR.

This is your first baby? :) My babies are 2, 4, and 7. I am not in nursing school yet, but I work 6 days a week (at home as a medical transcriptionist), and have done this through my pre-reqs/AA . Over the years I have adapted on 5 hours of sleep per night (sometimes less, depends on my workload) and I am 37 yrs old. Before children it was nothing for me to sleep 12 hours a day...what can I say, I loved my sleep (still do..but never get enough). Lots of caffeine for me is a must (but in the form of diet pepsi...coffee upsets my stomach).

When I get into nursing program my husband says I am quitting my job (well, he 'says' I am, but I have a feeling I will still be working when/if I can...not the same as your situation though because I can work at will whenever I want really). I have taken some classes on line and have taken timed exams with my three lil monkeys screaming, fighting, hanging from the ceiling fans around me...you learn to tune the chaos out and concentrate on what is in front of you.

I will tell you, however, when I had just one child it was much more difficult because YOU are their best friend, entertainer, and activities director and if there are days you cannot be all of that, then you tend to assume a lot of guilt for not doing more with your child (at least I did back then). Don't feel guilty if you have to let your child occupy him/herself while you get some things done. A poster on here had the right idea with studying while child in high chair...setting child up with a bunch of toys in their room or living room while you are there with your nose in a book, etc. When you want to take a break, put baby in stroller and go for a walk together :) Remember, quality time not necessarily quantity time is what matters. Also, this is just a short term situation. Main thing to remember is not to feel bad if you cannot spend as much time with your baby as you would like...sounds to me like you are doing a great job and have a great support system in your husband. Do not rely on others to step up and help out...if there is one thing I have learned it is to rely on yourself and your husband. If others offer to help, its a wonderful surprise...otherwise, just move forward as if you won't get the help from the outside as you had expected. You will adapt much easier that way :)

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I have to agree with a previous poster who said that a schedule is key. Get your baby on a regular napping schedule, and study then. Study on the floor while the baby plays, and while the baby is eating. I have my days scheduled down to 15 minute intervals, and it really helps. This is my second time having a baby and being in school, and having the schedule is the only way for me to stay on top of everything. GL!

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Yep, schedules are awesome! Mine are 6 and almost 4. the youngest still naps about an hour or so during the day, so I study then, and they go to bed at 8 ao I will study untill 11 or so, depending on if I have a test the next day. I usually take some time on the weekends while my hubby is home to go to the library or Starbucks to study.

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Yes my first baby...and I won't be having another until I am finished with school and graduated! :) I supposed I will just have to adapt to less sleep and really take advantage of any "free time" when the baby is sleeping or not needing my attention, although that seems rare. He still is not able to entertain himself for more than 5 mins at a time. Sometimes I can get 15 mins if I put him in his jumper and put on The Fresh Beat Band (HE LOVES this annoying show). Thank you for your thoughts!

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Specializes in OR.

HAHA!! well, wait till you experience the joys of Caillou and his nonstop whiny voice :) You will be BEGGING for the 'Fresh Beats." :D Good luck to you!

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