Student mamas, PLEASE give me a boost. Help!

[heartmama]

I have been in school full time, and working (at times full time, but right now part time) for the last 2 years straight. After this semester, I have ONE more to go and I'll have my 4 year degree. I also have a high school aged kid who needs help with homework too.

I have had straight A's and I can tell you at times I don't know how I pulled that off, because this new semester is kicking my butt! I am procrastinating SO bad. My classes are really reading intensive this semester. For some reason, my brain is just blanking out on reading. It is like I reached the "full" line last semester. I literally got an ocular migraine during finals (my eye stopped working! I had to write 3 papers).

Like right now, tonight. I have an assignment due tomorrow night (in Blackboard, online). And I just don't know how to focus. After a day of classes and work I just want to watch Office re-runs with my son and shop on Amazon for cat toys and snuggle with dh. I do NOT WANT TO READ 2 CHAPTERS ON GOVERNMENT AND SUBMIT A SUMMARY.

I don't know how to get started. Help me. PLEASE!!! I have to read 2 chapters and write a summary. What do I do?? It is 11:30 at night. I do have all day tomorrow, tho I needed that time to prep for my other 3 classes....

How do I start? Get up early Saturday a.m.? Help!!

[Dar]

Take a night off. Really. Snuggle with your kid.

I had a 4.0 for my B.A. and the first 2 years of graduate school, and then I realized that I didn't need to be perfect. It's been very good for my mental health.

[Fieryfly]

I can feel the pressure and stress just from reading your post! :) I'm a full time student as well with a preteen and teen, although I don't work full time I don't know how you do it.  I will also be done with a 4yr degree in Dec, it is an amazing feeling to be able to say I'm graduating THIS year.

There came a point about the middle of last semester where I realized that there was no plausible way I could get A's in nursing school AND have a happy home life with my family and friends. I pretty much gave myself permission to let go of some of my high expectations for myself.  I knew what I had to do to still do well in school yet not burn out in the process.  It is tough to be at that point, but it was what I needed to get myself through the rest of the semester in one piece.

Give yourself a break, just like you would your kids or a good friend if you saw them stressing.  It won't be the end of the world if you turn in a sub-par assignment or get a lower grade than you usually do....your sanity will thank you! :)

Good luck!

[circuitsndaisies]

I'll park right here with you.  I deal with the same thing.  Perfectionism can be brutal.