Im starting College in Sept2012, any advice/tips/expecT??

Jen - posted on 05/10/2012

I'm a single mom and have received both a BS and an MBA while being a single mother to two beautiful young ladies. I also worked - at one time up to three jobs - while getting my MBA. My suggestion is to read while he's occupied with his toys - you can curl up on the couch while he's playing in front of you. Do homework, where you need to concentrate, while he's asleep - naps and bed time.

My sister just finished her bachelors with a newborn in the house, he's now two. She did most of her homework at night. It didn't affect her time with him at all. Most of my homework I did at lunch at work and when my kids got home from school. I also would lock myself up in my room when a huge paper was due - I'd just have someone to help with the kids.

As far as organization tips... keep everything in one place. Have one binder/folder for each class. Find a system that works for you.

Crissi - posted on 03/30/2012

I started back to school in January and my son is 4 years old. The best advice I can give you is time management. Buy a big wall calendar and fill it up with assignment due dates, appointments, etc. It has been hard to juggle priorities, but not impossible. The first few weeks away from your kiddo will be difficult, so don't hesitate to call his care provider for updates. Also, sometimes its ok to let the house and laundry go for a little while if it means more time to study or snuggle with your baby! ;)

Camille - posted on 03/23/2012

I REALLY want to go back to school for my Masters. Can someone please tell me how you can afford to do both. My husband may be able to help. Otherwise I'll be stuck with a dead end job.

Shaz - posted on 01/06/2012

depends on what your taking....
all i can say is dont wait. start early....everything.
as for finding the time...the best thing anyone ever told me was from my mentor teacher when i was on prac. she said i would be alright and that if i wanted it bad enough i would find the time.... she had 6 little ones when she went through uni.. such an inspiration...
just remember to do one thing at a time. one step at a time and you wont get so overwehlmed....
it took me a while to do that....much better at it now.

Bridgett - posted on 01/01/2012

Hello there, I really think it depends on what you go to school for. I am a full time nursing student as well as a mother of 2 boys, ages 8 and 12. I am a younger, energetic mom (35) and am married. Sometimes my husband helps, and sometimes I am a single mother as well. Nursing school has been challenging at times, but my best advice to you is to have a daily schedule and stick to it! You need to have time for your kids, homework, and YOU. I know it seems hard, but you can manage it. The schedule is literally the only way I have survived for the past 3 1/2 yrs of my life! In 6 months I will be graduating with Honors!!!! And trust me, I have had my fair share of downs....I lost my mom unexpectedly right in the middle of my semester last yr to none other than a Medical malpractice...but I still dredged on, never missing 1 day of school and planned her funeral around school! You can do it!!! I wish you the best of luck!!!

Nicole - posted on 12/25/2011

I agree, setting up a schedule for you and the kids, cooking,cleaning and study time is important. I found myself studying on the weekends, on the bus. I took 2-3 hrs between some classes to study and prepare. Its like a full time job so the more you stick to your schedule the better, but once you get a routine is gets easier. Putting the kids to be bed early also helps. I went while pregnant 2 yrs in a row i have 6 kids the last 2 back to back. So right now we start the Sememster Jan 9th and im due Jan 6 so im taking online classes. Hope it works out for you, you can do it, routine,routine,routine.

Kate - posted on 12/23/2011

i can tell ya you aint gonna get much sleep depending on their feeding routines, you can also look at daycare or have someone you trust babysitt while you are school and do a subidised child care (government pays the person to watch your child) for while you are in school, and if you think your child will have separation anxiety you can always start out slowly by having the person that you trust watch the little one while you step out for 5 minutes to start with and then slowly increase it till the child can handle being away from you for the duration of your classes

Angela - posted on 12/07/2011

As a single mom to 4 in my 2nd year child and youth work, i can say that my routine and sticking to that routine is the one thing I feel has helped me sucessfully get where I am :)

Priscilla - posted on 11/26/2011

Hello, Celia!! The one piece of advice I would like to give you it that it is possible. I just finished my master's degree with a 15 month old. I thought I would not have time raise my son, study, complete assignments, get sleep, and maintain my household (and did I mention I was working full-time?). Well, it is definitely possible with a fixed schedule. I am not saying that flexibility doesn't work, but for me being on the same ole' schedule each day helped me beyond belief. Sit with you spouse and try to include his needs in the scheduling as well. Hope this helps!!

Bianca - posted on 11/23/2011

I started college while I was pregnant with my first in fall of 2010. At the time I was only taking two classes and was due in February. When I had him I was taking three classes and although they were online and I wasn't working it wasn't easy! You just will have to adjust. Now my son is nine months old and I am taking classes full time. I usually complete school work during one of his daily naps. Also, I would suggest you find someone whether that be your mom or a close friend, to take care of him for an hour or two so you can focus on your school work without any interruptions. Depending on how many classes you take will determine how much time you'll be putting into studying, homework, etc. In the end though you'll be able to fall into a routine that works for you and it's well worth it! Kudos to you for completing your degree with a little one! Good luck!