Frustrated with Online school and kids

Samie - posted on 03/03/2010

I so feel like that i only have an almost 2 year old but she wants to play with my laptop and wants to pay attention to her and i am a single parent so i am doing it during her sleep which is vey hard and i have epilepsy she you need sleep so yes very hard and frustrasting. it will get easier though

Kristina - posted on 02/24/2010

I am also a student at UOP and I am transffering to Kaplan. They do things alot different that UOP does and as a mother of 6 kids, a husband that has medical problems, and 2 dogs I need to be able to take the easiest route possible. I would consider finding a new school.

Dana - posted on 02/23/2010

I also take classes online through UoP, and it is difficult to keep up with studies and my boys, who are just about the same age as yours. Their father lives an hour away so he's certainly not much help! You just have to remember you aren't alone. In the end it will be worth all that lost sleep to know you are providing a better life for your sons as well as that you are teaching them the value of higher education and that anything is possible if you are willing to reach for it instead of waiting for someone to hand it to you on a platter!

Christine - posted on 02/21/2010

Don't give up ! I have been taking online classes for the last three years while trying to be a good mom to my boys 11 and 5. Although my husband is a great guy and will try to help out when he can the stress level can sometimes get pretty bad. Remember when you are feeling stress to take sometime out for you. It can be as little as some alone time in the tub with some candles and a book (not a textbook) or a walk, a movie, any thing you like. I personally feel recharged after I do this and feel well enough to tackle that next assignment. You feel a sense of accomplishment after you finish a course knowing that you did your best and that you can succeed. Good Luck!

Karolina - posted on 02/20/2010

I also attend the University Of Phoenix. I just recently started and I know it can get tough but you have to hang in there; and I know its easier said than done but your education is important to you and your children. I have a 10 month old and im expecting. Im on bedrest now in the hospital so now it got a little easier to do my work. But before at home my 10 month old always wanted my attention and never wanted to be put down; always wanted me to play and do everything so it got frustrating if i missed a day of work and handed it in late. But you have to just keep a positive thought and think about how this could help your family out. Keep in your head that you know you want to go to school, you know you want to finish and once you finish it will be all worth it in the end. I believe in you , sometimes we need a little support and i believe that your a strong woman and you are able to do this and make it through !

Destiny - posted on 02/17/2010

I feel for you, I am also a Phoenix and a single mother of a four year old girl. Just think of what your degree will do for you and your family when you are done! That is what keeps me going. I don't get to start any work until 9 at night. Anytime you need to talk, just send me a message. I no how hard it is, how much you want it but also how stressful and frustrating it is alltogether. I found that connecting with other UOP students really helps, there are a lot of us out there feeling just like you do. Keep your head up. It won't last forever and youll be glad when it is done, the kids stages and school:)

Jennifer - posted on 02/17/2010

I have been there, I avtually wen to this school for 3 years, and graduated. My youngest was born during school and she attended my graduation at age 1 1/8, while my oldest who was 2 when i started was 5 1/2. I do not have a lot of help from a spouse or famliy so for me it was being organized, and a schedule. I put my kids on a a schedule that put them to bed and asleep no later than 7pm, then I still had a few good hours in me to be wide awake with school work. I will not lie there are times I was wrriting papers at the midnight deadline and having a sigh of relief whenI would see 11:58. I have slo opted to turn papers in first thing the next morning during nap times, to ensure a better grade, and honestly i only had the 10 percent deductin 1 time for a paper turned in a day late. I hope this does not sound like I am bragging, I will say its hard work, dtermination, and the drive to complete a goal that will keep you going. Also another tip, i would sleep 30 minutes after or while I was rocking my child to sleep to give me that extra boost. I hope some of this helps, also talk to your husband and let him know how much school means to you and that you would like his support during this time, split chores, or ask him to take the boys for 2 hours ona day hes off so you can have uninterrupted time. i hope you stay with it, as it is a reward!!!

Shari - posted on 02/14/2010

I attend Ashford University online, getting my second Masters in Public Administration, I was going to suggest take your books with you to appointments, etc. when watching television study,I know your children are little,however when you are reading your textbook have some of their books out for them to "read",or when you are writing a paper have crayons and paper out for them to "do homework".
Take advanage of every little opportunity to get your work done,you will be surprised at all of the opportunities that come up. I know you said your husband works long hours and is tired,but I am sure if you talk to him and ask he will be glad to help with the children.

Ally - posted on 02/12/2010

in 2008 i recieved my associates degree in hospice ed...it took me 8 years to complete...my daughter was in high school & very active in sports. i scheduled my classes around her sports events. there were many, many events that i took my work with me so that i could keep up with my school work & be with my daughter at the same time. my husband was also a reservist so many times i was both mom & dad, working full-time & going to school. i am now working on my b.h.s.a. & am almost there but do to some recent health issues, my degree is on hold for a semester or two...
the best advice i can give you is pace yourself...when the boys are napping, study. drs appts-take your books with you, while you're watching t.v., study during commericals...
do not give up! everything is worth the sacrifice in the long run...nowadays, you never know when that degree will come in handy...good luck...

Tai - posted on 02/11/2010

I attend university of phoenix also, since 2007 and I have a 2 yr old son. yes it does get hard at times but DO NOT drop out. yes its hard but it will be worth it in the end. At least u dont have to work, go to school and take care of kids... Keep the kids on a schedule, bedtime is not up for debate, send them to bed early if you have to to get some work done. During the day, get homework done when they are taking their naps or ask your 4 yr old to keep ur 2 yr old entertained for a while. Get ur studying done whenever u can. I get about the same amount of sleep and unfortunately, it is a sacrifice you have to make if you want a higher education and a better life for ur family. Keep telling yourself that its for your family, that's what I do, it usually helps. I know that my son was the first reason I wanted to go back to school, I am doing it for him and I will not give up or fail him. I wan to show my son one day that his mother worked hard and earned something that not everybody gets to earn. A college education is a privilege and should not be thrown away because of lack of time. Find a way to manage ur time better and make it work. That is ur only option... tough it out, stick thru to the end and you'll make it!!!

Suzanne - posted on 02/10/2010

Don't give up! I have 8 kids, yes 8, from 18 to 3, with the youngest 2 at home still (5 and 3). I am going to school full-time online working on my Master's degree, so I can relate. My husband is able to help out more and even the older kids can help with the younger ones when they are home from school, so I do have more help, I admit.



But don't give up - just keep reminding yourself how much it will all be worth it. Do you have neighbors that you can trade a couple hours of babysitting with? Since you have been going to school for almost a year, you are probably pretty organized - but is there some way to do more of your work off the computer to give yourself a break? I am just throwing ideas out there, can you reduce your class hours - maybe go half time instead of full-time?



What are you going to school for? I know the sleep thing - sometimes the only time that I can get anything done is after the kids are in bed for the night!



Good luck - let me know if you need more encouragement! :)

Suzanne (Zan) Call

Sara - posted on 02/10/2010

Just keep up your hard work. I go to Grand Canyon University online and i have a 2yr old and an 8month old. It can be stressful but you just have to stick with it. My husband seems like a hermit and stays in his man cave most of the time and only comes inside when he wants to (for dinner) LOL. Don't feel alone. Do you live in the phoenix area? If so maybe we can get to know each other and maybe swap childcare for those days we need a little more concentration or just a day off. Good luck and stay strong.