Keeping Family Intact

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 7, 2012

My kids were grown when I started nursing school, so I don't have a clue. I balanced a full time job with school, but no family dynamics. My suggestion is to have Plans B, C and D for child care. Schedule your study time and stick to the schedule. Ask for help or accept it when offered. Freeze meals when you have time off for holidays so you can eat them when your schedule requires. Don't expect the house to be clean for a few years. Don't expect to make "A" all thru school. When you DO have extra time, take the kids to the park. The house can wait. I think success depends on Plan B.

akilah530 · Nov 7, 2012

My kids were grown when I started nursing school, so I don't have a clue. I balanced a full time job with school, but no family dynamics. My suggestion is to have Plans B, C and D for child care. Schedule your study time and stick to the schedule. Ask for help or accept it when offered. Freeze meals when you have time off for holidays so you can eat them when your schedule requires. Don't expect the house to be clean for a few years. Don't expect to make "A" all thru school. When you DO have extra time, take the kids to the park. The house can wait. I think success depends on Plan B.

Well said.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2012

I don't know. Im almost done with school and have struggle tremendously. I wish I could say but its so stressful and has had a huge toll on my family.

LCinTraining · Nov 8, 2012

I don't know. I don't feel like I am balancing at all. I'm exhausted all the time. I yell at my kids. I fall asleep standing up at work. And am constantly feeling like I am rushing to get homework done.

I feel completely burnt out and have spent most of this evening staring at a paper due in two days that I have barely started. It isn't hard. I just...don't...have the energy to care.

My youngest is getting ready to get kicked out of daycare over his behaviors and I feel like it's now or never with school because I have put off school over other childcare issues. There is no plan B for childcare. I have no options in this tiny town. I've exhausted them all (and why so many facilities have blatant safety issues is beyond me, but hey, thank you OSHA for shutting them down). So, now or never with school, or deal with my son. I already have one with a possible spectrum disorder (albeit high functioning), I don't know if I will make it or not. I just simply don't have the energy care anymore.

Sorry I don't have any advice. I feel like I just hijacked your post.

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · Nov 8, 2012

My kids were grown when I started nursing school, so I don't have a clue. I balanced a full time job with school, but no family dynamics. My suggestion is to have Plans B, C and D for child care. Schedule your study time and stick to the schedule. Ask for help or accept it when offered. Freeze meals when you have time off for holidays so you can eat them when your schedule requires. Don't expect the house to be clean for a few years. Don't expect to make "A" all thru school. When you DO have extra time, take the kids to the park. The house can wait. I think success depends on Plan B.

Ditto! I have 2 small kids (5 and 7) and have worked around everything. I have a back up sitter for my back up sitter for my sitter. Neither are in any extra things right now, so that's a plus for me. I study when they go to bed and if my daughter happens to nap during the day. My house is messy. Laundry and dishes get done and that's about it. Floors, bathrooms, everything else get done every few weeks. Do I care? No. My kids are happy and healthy. My crock pot is also my best friend! I will admit we have eaten like crap a lot more than normal, but I'm not going to feel guilty about it. I'm doing the best I can. I do try to have home cooked meals more often than not though!

Julesmama28 · Nov 9, 2012

Ditto the previous posters. I've relied on good friends to help pick up kids from school etc. Ive also given back when i can- swap driving, babysit for them etc. so i dont burn out my friends. Dh is helpful, but works full time. This semester has been busy, but workable. I study at school on my lunch hour, and at night when kids sleep. I'm exhausted most of the time, and my house is not the cleanest it could be. BUT, when I'm home with my kids, I'm with them. I cook, go for walks, play etc. They are learning how to clean up after themselves and cooperate better. We all are working to get through this! So far, not too bad.

Nursing2102 · Nov 9, 2012

I can't really relate to this question but I do want to say I give a TON of credit to nursing students who have to juggle school and family/children! It is hard enough as it is, I can't imagine if I had children.....