Going back to school when you have young children

[shells_n_cheese]

I am planning on going back to school this winter. I really want/need to go back to better myself and career options--but I am a little worried about how it will go with a 1 and 3 yr old around.

How stressful is it to go back to school wth young children? How are you doing? Any advice, warnings, or tips?

[Happiestever]

Well I'm one day into it and have most of my assignments done. I just wear out my kids by taking them to the pool, get them fed and hop on the computer to do my classes. I am just taking a little break looking for some tips myself. But for one day into it I think I am doing pretty good considering my 7 mo woke from his nap while I was taking my timed test. Yeehaw, I'm in for a wild ride.

[lanielayne]

I am going into my second year. I have a 10, 8, 6, 3 and 1 yr old. It has been very tough but it is certainly doable. I have been taking online classes FT up until now. This semester starts my on-campus classes so it has been stressful setting up a sitter and getting that all worked out plus worrying about picking up the big kids from school, their homework, dinner, etc. I actually think it would be much easier with just the two littles. I schedule in time to study and I also volunteer on the weekend at a place that will give me time to study without children around. I think the key is to realize when in your schedule you will be able to fit in time to study when you can actually get it done and not be distracted by things. I found that once the big kids were home from school, there was no way I could study until bedtime. I would get frustrated and they needed my attention anyway.

I would focus on organization of your time and your kids time, find out what schedule fits your family best, and stick to it. First thing in the morning when they were happy playing toys or at nap time was when I would take my tests. I would also schedule time with your hubby for when he keeps them so you can focus. In my opinion, if it is set that, for example, every Tues night from 6-9 you go to the library, it is easier on everyone. Good for you for going back and good luck!

[DisplacedYooper]

Well, DS was born 3 1/2 years ago while I was in the middle of my graduate program, and I will be turning in my final version of my PhD dissertation on Friday! I won't say it's always been an easy road, there have been plenty of times that I just wanted to quit, but if you need to do it, you can!

My biggest advice is to not worry too much about grades, which can be hard if you're a perfectionist (like me!). Every program has minimum GPA requirements, and you should aim to be reasonably above them to allow some wiggle room, but you should be able to tell what will be important for you to know later and what's just fluff. Don't worry too much about not being perfect on the fluff! Be willing to turn in a paper where you might expect to get a B or a C, even though you know that if you spent another 5 hours on it (rather than playing with your kids), you would get an A or a B. No one cares about your GPA after you graduate and you get your first "new credential" position.

[nj's_mom]

I'm going into my second year, I started right around DD's first birthday. So far I've been on the Dean's List both semesters, and I'm entering the Honors Program this semester. But things are going to get a lot more challenging now, and at the same time, DD is now two... so we'll see how that goes.

[lanielayne]

After reading nj's_mom's entry, I also wanted to add that I too have been on the Dean's List both semesters and have a 4.0 so far. It can be done!