If you think your age is a factor, consider that I am 62 and only 2 months ago completed LPN school. I no longer have the children at home problem, so I can't really give valid advice on that one. I was Student Speaker at my graduation, however, and my message (in a nutshell) was: dare to dream, and go for that dream. If you really want this, go for it! This may be one of the most rewarding things you could pursue. Get help from family, friends, any kind of support system in your community, but make it work. I do wish I had done this many years ago, but we cant change the past. One little extra note: I cannot look for a nursing job yet, because I am recovering from open-heart surgery in December, but I will NOT let a little thing like that get in the way of my new career! Tom