The challenges of Pre-nursing classes and motherhood

justme1972 · May 4, 2007

I knew I was studying too much this past weekend.

When my husband was home, I was desparately trying to study my Chemistry. We have a set of 5 steps that go down into our great room from the kitchen, so frequently we have little "conversations" from the top of the steps.

Well, my daughter had woke up from her nap first, and my husband went to get her so she wouldn't wake her brother. She ran to the top of the steps, took one look at me on the couch with my books laid out, and she burst out in tears and buried her head in my husband's legs.

He said, "What's wrong sweetie, why are you crying?"

She looked up through her tears and said, "Mommy's busy!" and then started bawling even louder, like the rest of her day was ruined.

I felt so bad because they have both been scolded at disturbing me when I study. I do take breaks to read them stories, go for a quick walk around my neighborhood, etc.

It just made me feel like a horrible mother that my children felt that way about my schoolwork...and there isn't anything I can do about it, but apologize to them and try to make up for it.

stpauligirl · May 4, 2007

I knew I was studying too much this past weekend.
When my husband was home, I was desparately trying to study my Chemistry. We have a set of 5 steps that go down into our great room from the kitchen, so frequently we have little "conversations" from the top of the steps.
Well, my daughter had woke up from her nap first, and my husband went to get her so she wouldn't wake her brother. She ran to the top of the steps, took one look at me on the couch with my books laid out, and she burst out in tears and buried her head in my husband's legs.
He said, "What's wrong sweetie, why are you crying?"
She looked up through her tears and said, "Mommy's busy!" and then started bawling even louder, like the rest of her day was ruined.
I felt so bad because they have both been scolded at disturbing me when I study. I do take breaks to read them stories, go for a quick walk around my neighborhood, etc.
It just made me feel like a horrible mother that my children felt that way about my schoolwork...and there isn't anything I can do about it, but apologize to them and try to make up for it.

How old is she? It's amazing how much these kids need us....my son is not doing well with his dad gone Mo-Fr. This weekend he won't come home at all! He is out of State for 2 weeks! it kicked my son in reverse every since they send him away each week. It's hard isn't it????? Hang in there and reassure her as much as you possibly can.

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · May 4, 2007

I am glad to hear your son will finally get the extra help he needs. It is good that he won't get lost in the shuffle and that you stayed on top of things to get him the best education possible.

Things are hard when you have kids...I felt especially neglectful this week. I just give them extra hugs and when I can do with them I definately do. I will someday let them know how good they were and how much that helped me achieve my goals. I think we'll all survive...except a little guilt we'll all come out better people for it.

medhead · May 4, 2007

While I'm sorry your son has had to struggle and deal with all that heartache and headache, that's great news that you finally have something to treat and a plan of action to take! Just think how much better this coming year is going to be! I'm happy for you and your son!

As for me, finals are this week. I was supposed to have my stats final tonight and with dh recently deployed to the Middle East (something we were NOT expecting when I enrolled), I have to rely on a babysitter to finish this class. What do you think the odds are of the sitter being sick tonight of all nights???? So here's me coming to class tonight to turn in my final project with my two kids in tow and unable to take the final exam. And you know what, on the way home, the kids were being so silly in the car, I don't think any of us stopped laughing the entire 30 minutes it took to drive back. They surely do put put things into perspective :)

GeneralJinjur · May 4, 2007

When my youngest wanted to nurse, she would crawl to me while dragging a textbook. I thought it was hilarious that she put the two together because of course, I did use every breastfeeding minute to study A&P. That was a couple of years ago. Tonight my kids did a happy dance because I finished my night Micro class and I don't have to go anywhere in the evening ever again (at least according to them).

Parenting while in school is hard. I have spent many a morning writing a paper while my toddler watches a movie beside me. It will be so good to have a few weeks to focus on them and clean up this house.

Stpauligirl, I'm glad your son has a diagnosis. I am sure you will find lots of helpful techniques now that you know where to look.

MrsBradyMom · May 4, 2007

Oh I have become the QUEEN of multi-tasking!

With 6 kids, somebody is always doing something. My oldest daughter has cheerleading practice 5 nights a week (even in the summer) plus needs rides to her job on the weekends. I take my notes and make her quiz me during the drive. The two smallest girls go to gymnastics and instrument lessons. Just last night they performed in a concert at school.....I took my notes on bones & muscles and guiltily studied while they were performing. Thats horrible, isn't it? Sometimes the guilt really gets to me, especially when the kids sense it and then use it to their advantage, lol. But I keep reminding everyone it won't be forever (mostly myself).

Anne36, LPN · May 4, 2007

O that poor baby! I can just imagine that poor little thing dragging a book that probably weighs more than her just to be with mommy. LOL! I hope you took a picture of that. When my daughter wanted to nurse she would chase me around the house with a pillow.

catzy5 · May 4, 2007

Mother's Day is approaching and I got a great gift today....finally a response from my son's school about his difficulties ( I posted a while ago and was quite upset at that time an some of you may remember how desparate I was) FINALLY months later after I pressed to have him tested they came to the conclusion that he indeed has dyslexia. He struggled this entire past year, having the teacher he unfortunately has didn't help any at all!!!!! At least there is hope for the future that he will get the help he needs. Believe me, it has stressed me out to cope with him, homework and his teacher.....this lady is impossible and wants perfect "cookie cutter kids"! College and a husband who is never present definitely added to my stress. It's been so rough. I will take the summer off and I am waiting to be accepted into the ADN program at my school.
You all have a great Mother's Day, hug your kiddos!!!!!!

I remember your post about your son, I am so glad you pushed to get help, you soooo have to do that! Its the only way. I think I mentioned I am dyslexic and struggled horribly in school, they just didn't have the knowledge to cope with someone like me in my poor little town I came from. Both my boys have Adhd and believe me they have been getting help since day 1 even before school started I had them in early intervention and pushed pushed to make sure they got proper services, I saw what I went through in them and said no way. Both are doing fantastic in school even passed the gifted assesment for the program at school. So yes believe me push!

catzy5 · May 4, 2007

When my youngest wanted to nurse, she would crawl to me while dragging a textbook. I thought it was hilarious that she put the two together because of course, I did use every breastfeeding minute to study A&P. That was a couple of years ago. Tonight my kids did a happy dance because I finished my night Micro class and I don't have to go anywhere in the evening ever again (at least according to them).
Parenting while in school is hard. I have spent many a morning writing a paper while my toddler watches a movie beside me. It will be so good to have a few weeks to focus on them and clean up this house.
Stpauligirl, I'm glad your son has a diagnosis. I am sure you will find lots of helpful techniques now that you know where to look.

Kudos to you with young babies and toddlers! my kids are 8,8 and 10 of course they were younger when I started a million years ago but still my youngest just started K. I can't imagine having had to do it when they were younger, wish I had but know I couldn't have. Atleast now they understand some what and can entertain each other they don't need my every moment. Of course the guilt is still there, one of my sons asked me if I would be able to play with them again when school was done

catzy5 · May 4, 2007

Oh I have become the QUEEN of multi-tasking!
With 6 kids, somebody is always doing something. My oldest daughter has cheerleading practice 5 nights a week (even in the summer) plus needs rides to her job on the weekends. I take my notes and make her quiz me during the drive. The two smallest girls go to gymnastics and instrument lessons. Just last night they performed in a concert at school.....I took my notes on bones & muscles and guiltily studied while they were performing. Thats horrible, isn't it? Sometimes the guilt really gets to me, especially when the kids sense it and then use it to their advantage, lol. But I keep reminding everyone it won't be forever (mostly myself).

I do the samething mrsbrady and you are right it won't be forever, have to think of the positive things they learn from us doing this and not the negative things they probably don't even notice. You were there atleast and were probably a many parent not there!

I was excited I couldn't believe the amount of work I got done wedensday going to the dentest and hair cuts for all 3 kids! I brought my equipment bag hehhee made flash cards and wrote out my notes, I think I will get an A on my test tomorrow for that reason alone hahahaha.

Testa Rosa, RN · May 5, 2007

As a prenursing student just accepted into CSU East Bay (YES!), and as a mother of three--one of which is profoundly dyslexic/dysgraphic/ADD--I feel your pain. I had to get legal with my school district in order to get the services my child needs. Still, it's hard enough raising kids while trying to go to school, let alone kids that have special needs and just need so much more time above and beyond what an average parent needs to do.

Even with the extra help and more thoughtful approach to which teachers he gets, we've had to do expensive reading programs on our own (Linda Mood Bell and Active Reading Clinic as well as expensive tutors).

Good Luck on your journey. PM me if you need some help/advice. Remember, you are your child's best advocate and you have rights and powers beyond what your school district may lead you to believe.

Many Blessings