Single mother having trouble balancing time

[hkendrick1987]

I'm a young, single mother pursuing my AAS. I'm doing fairly well in school, but I feel as if i'm completely neglecting my daughter. I know that in the long run, this will be for the better, but I can't help feeling guilty for not spending much time with her. If I spend the time with her that i'd like to, then I have no time for studying. HELP!!! Have any of you ever been in a similar situation? How did you cope?

[Despareux]

Technically, I'm not a single mom, but I was many years ago while working two full-time jobs and going to college. Currently, my husband leaves for work before our kids get home from school and doesn't see them until Saturday afternoon--provided he isn't working Saturdays.

For my family, it comes down to priorities. The health of my children (nutrition, sleep, mental stuff) trumps everything (cleaning, laundry, my homework). During school my house is pretty damn messy and even my kids are deprived of "Mumma" time. But during my breaks, I make it all about them (sort of) and I clean. We take it day by day and try to keep everything simple.

Sorry I don't have clear cut answers for you. But I just wanted to share my experience and to let you know that you can do this!

[CBsMommy]

It's so hard to be a single parent in nursing school.

I always set aside time for my son so that he's not feeling left out but it is hard. Sometimes he will climb on my lap while I study. I gave him my old laptop and installed some preschool games on it for him to play with so I will work at my computer and he can do his "homework" on his computer.

We have a movie night every week at home where we will spread big blankets on the floor, make some popcorn and watch a movie. Once that's over, he usually falls asleep and I can then concentrate on my studies. This week is spring break for me so we spent the entire day yesterday together.

Just these little things can add up. I know that it's not forever and I always keep in the back of my mind that I am doing this for both of our futures but it never makes the guilt go away completely. Good luck and I know what you are going through!

[gaspasser2b]

Hang in there! It's a tough job to be a mother, especially a single nursing school momma! You can do it. I went back to school when I was 5 months pregnant. Now, I have a beautiful 2 year old and will be graduating in May. It will go by much faster than you expect. Stay focused and don't lose your drive. Managing your time is key. For me, everyday is a constant rush. I study and do homework late at night when my daughter's sleeping. I also have a lot of support. You can do it. Best of luck to you!