im going back to school this April and i work full time..how do i manage time with my son and studying?

Kate - posted on 03/20/2009

Wow, I really admire you for trying to get a degree, work-full time as well as being a Mum. You haven't said how old your son is - if the photo is a recent one, I'm guessing not very. I agree with all the previous advice. I did my degree full-time from when my youngest was two (and went to nursery full-time), my elder two were at school. When I had a deadline looming I made full use of the after-school kids club the school ran, and if I was paying for a full day at nursery, left my son there till the end even if my lectures finished hours earlier, just so that I could get the work done with them out of the way and then when they were home I could give them 100% of my attention. Studying EARLY in the morning, before breakfast was also often more productive than working into the wee small hours when I was too tired to write anything worthwhile.
I was so proud to be able to graduate with my children in the audience and they were very proud of their Mummy's achievement. I'm now doing post-graduate study part-time - I'm now facing up to the reality for me that I can't work part-time as well and get the grades I want, so I'm jacking in the job, so I would agree with Callie above, that if the degree is important to you and if the pressure gets too much, reducing your hours if at all possible is the best thing to do.
I wish you the best of luck with your studies.

Callie - posted on 03/19/2009

Yes, lunch hour at work, definitely.  Study during naps, for sure.  Take advantage of weekends to study ahead & also say YES when people in your life offer to help you out.  You can't do it alone so get some good support people around you.  If you can't handle it after a couple of months, see if you can cut out at least one day a week.  Or work the minimum # of hours to keep your benefits.  I did it for 5 months & finally went part time this week, because I was falling asleep at the wheel!  Good luck, girlie!

Vanessa - posted on 03/19/2009

I take my lunch to work and study or do homework during my lunch hour. I study during my daugther's nap time or after she's been put to bed for the night. It does suck, but sometimes if my mother is going to the market or to run an errand she'll offer to take my daughter with her so I can get some study time. I do miss her and I feel guilty during those precious hours, but all I can think of is everything she'll miss out on if I continue to live pay check to pay check.

Kenna - posted on 03/19/2009

Make a schedule that breaks down each hour of the day. Plan your studies when your son is sleeping as much as you can. If you can't the best thing to remember is that you son will love you no matter what. I am in my second year of school and though it bothers my children that sometimes mommy has to miss out on stuff they are the ones that will propose a toast at the dinner table when mommy gets an A on a exam. Also if you have to read for your studies set you son up with a book. He will enjoy being like "mommy" and it is good to get children started on books when they are young.

Caroll - posted on 03/17/2009

I work full time and get most of my school work and studying done while everyone else is sleeping...

Erica - posted on 03/17/2009

VERY CAREFULLY!!!!! You will probably not sleep much at all- that is like having 3 full time jobs!