work, school and family balance

erinberrin, CNA · Jul 30, 2014

I have learned to not be a "perfect monster" while juggling, because well you can't..it's tough.

FutureRNBets · Jul 30, 2014

Have you looked into making freezer meals? My friend does it bc she works crazy hours. She makes breakfast items, dinners, burritos. She puts the instructions on the container and just makes sure her husband has any fresh things he needs. Just something to look into.

TLizS · Jul 30, 2014

honestly I have learned to be more relaxed about things that haven't been done....my husband has stepped up.....and my mother in law is amazing and pretty much kept my kids and husband fed home cooked meals last semester while I was in school 4 nights a week.

I couldn't have done it alone.....so thats my advice.....relax....and know that you can't take it all on alone....ask for help because lets face it....not all husbands are great at offering that help if you haven't asked.

Danilu14 · Jul 30, 2014

I hardly find time to cook except on weekends. I try to freeze some meals (if I make a lasagna or enchiladas on the weekend I make two and freeze one for later) try to keep healthy snacks in stock we have a snack drawer in the fridge for the kiddos with string cheese, cut up fruit in baggies, gogurt and lunchables; also a shelf in the pantry with similar stuff (pudding cups, fruit cups, granola bars etc.) and this will tide my kiddos over for the days I get home late. I buy the bagged freezer meals that you just throw in a skillet, that have meat,pasta, sauce & veggies and such in it already that my hubby can use to feed the kiddos quickly. Crock pot meals are also great, start them before work and it's ready by the time hubby gets home, I just have to wake up a little earlier to chop some veggies & get it started. I've been looking on pinterest alot for easy family meals because I'm not a huge fan of fast food. A neighbor recently suggested a "meal share" where one family makes enough to share and everyone would take turns cooking each night. Sounds good in theory but we haven't tried it yet.

bsartor · Jul 30, 2014

I do not cook but I absolutely have to maintain a clean home for my sanity. I schedule my cleaning time so that it fits into my schedule. I do a little bit each day. You could give everyone in your house a chore to do each day. You mention that your father is disabled. Depending on his ability give him a chore as well. Sometimes when I putting away dishes or folding laundry I will watch/listen to nursing help videos on youtube. Involve your daughter with cooking because that double as quality mother/daughter time as well. Remember it isn't about perfection but balance!

Best Wishes!

besrey · Jul 30, 2014

I've been nervous about this as well being that this coming fall is hopefully my last semester as pre-nursing and I have a heavy school schedule (and I'm aiming for A's!!) I have a one year old daughter who is now more active than ever and we can't afford to not have home cooked meals. So I've been looking online for freezer meals and I'm looking into investing into a crock pot. I guess for a while we will be eating a lot of lasagna, stews, and burritos!

When it comes to housework I will be devoting one weekend day to it as well as preparing meals. My bf will also have to step it up. We must ask for help to get things done. Like a pp said we cannot do it alone.

Most importantly I think though is not stressing about every single thing. If things get messy here and there than so be it. What we are trying to accomplish here is not easy.

My biggest concern however is my daughter, she's at an age where she is a sponge, is learning new things and requires a lot of attention. I'm scared of neglecting her! :-(

whit_rn, BSN · Jul 30, 2014

A girl in my classes preps her meals for the weeks on Sundays. She also works and goes to the gym regularly. I have become much more organized throughout nursing school. I make sure to plan my day. I work full time and am a full time student. It is also looking to your family for help and support. School isn't forever, and it will be worth it. So maybe just talking to your husband and letting him know you're going to need all the help you can get around the house.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

Honestly? I hit the drive-thru a lot and live with a little dirt here and there. Don't expect much more. I have an extremely busy schedule. I'm really thinking about Merry Maids once a week when I start the program next month. I've been doing prereqs the past year but I am a single mom to an 8 year old in competitive judo and we travel a lot so I don't have all the time in the world. You do what you gotta do.

mbtsab · Jul 31, 2014

Thank you everyone for your input! I am defiantly going to look into freezer meals---

duskyjewel · Jul 31, 2014

Crock pot and lower your standards for the house. Are your kids old enough to help with housework? Mine all have regular chores that rotate each week, and it's a huge help.

The crock pot is awesome because you control what's in your meals, they work great with cheap cuts of meat, and you can make double batches to freeze another dinner for later, or freeze individual portions for healthy lunches to take with you.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 31, 2014

A little re-framing is in order. "Housework" should not be the job of any one person - unless you have employed someone other than family members to do it - LOL. Everyone lives in the house. Everyone eats meals, wears clothes, occupies the rooms . . . all participants need to contribute to the upkeep & maintenance as appropriate to their own abilities. Of course, no one in their right mind would expect a 4 year old to cook, but he could definitely pick up his toys, put his laundry in the basket, help feed the cat, etc.

The flip side of equitable work load distribution? Giving up absolute control So hubby doesn't load the dishwasher just like you do... let. it. go. You may end up with oddly colored laundry during the 'learning stage', but it does pay off in the long run. You can't do it all.