Going Back to College

A.-

I'm 33 years old and a mother of a six month old and a wife of six years. I have not worked since 2005 due to a mutal decision of my husband and I so I know exactly what it is like living paycheck to paycheck. I have been attending the University of Phoenix via online since September of 2006. I was able to get student loans for my schooling. I do not have to start paying these back until six months after graduating either. I personally prefer the online schooling vs. the campus because I do not have to worry about getting a babysitter to be able to attend classes. I just put my six month old in her Johnny Bouncer over the door frame of the room I am in and she just has so much fun in it while I do homework or I do it when she is napping. I make my daughter my first priority and school my second then everything else. You work on your assignments when you can as long as meet the deadlines for them you will do just fine. I wish you the best of luck in your college studies. If you would like more detail about the University of Phoenix check out the website at www.phoenix.edu for more information. The classes start at all different times of the year. There is not set terms online. I take two classes every nine weeks. So it is intense but I have done very well. I was not a great student in highschool but I am pulling all A & B's in my classes thus far. Best of luck to you in your schooling.

Honestly - You're probably not going to like this answer, but unless you have to go back at this time in your life for some reason, I would wait until the youngest is in school. My kids are 21 and 17 and I always worked when the kids were younger and even tho much of it was part time, I feel like I missed so much. Not to mention the stress it's going to add to you. If you can, take advantage of the time that you are able to have with your kids when they are little. To be in the position to not have to work or not have to go to school when you have little ones is truley a blessing. It will mean so much to you later on in life. Good luck!!

I go to college online. I definatley think its harder then going to a regular ground campus (you have to have more self discipline). HOwever, its made it a lot easier on my family. I do a lot fo my school after our son goes to bed or during naps. My husband has to pitch in with the household chores but Im not gone as much as I would have to be with a regular campus. Good luck going back to school! Its a major commitment and Im proud of you for making that decision! Great work!!

Dear A.

I so understand!! I am a work at home mom & have also just went back to nursing school but I have it a little different. Our children are 16 & 13 (plus 2 high school exchange students & one in excange student in college) but it is still difficult. I really miss my time with each one of them. I try to plan all of my classes on 2 days so I don't have to be gone quite as much. It was difficult for my husband at first (poor man I left him home with five teenagers 4 of them girls lol)because he didn't deal with the drama and alot of the the little things that we do as moms but now him and the children are doing wonderful.
Please don't give up, it will be stressful sometimes, but you have to remember that what you are doing is not only going to benefit you but also your family. Don't be afraid to take a little extra help from someone in your family. Something your 3 year old could do is give him some index cards or a special book of his own and he could "help mommy" do homework!!! I wish you and you family all the luck!!

Hello, I too am a mom of 2 boys, and I am also a student in college. It was a difficult transition for both my hubby and my kids, but it got easier with time. Now my husband is actually excited for me, and my 3 yr. old deals with it just fine. He just keeps active with the boys while I am gone, he tries fun activites that I would not normally do with them. I have been in school on and off for the last 7 yrs. so it was a gradual transition. Let me know if ya have any other questions.....I say go for it girl!!!! Life is short,who says ya can"t do it all?

I'm currently in college, have a husband and 3 kids 2 of them in school & one in daycare. Going to college while the kids are still so young is a benefit because when they're in school you have to juggle their school activities & homework as well as your homework. I take 2 classes each semester, & it's hard but we pull together as a team. The hubby takes care of the family while I study. (he has a bachelors- so he understands how important this is to me & our fam.) I know the payoff will be huge so that's what's keeping me going. I wish you luck the best of luck!

I too go to school and I have a 4yr old and 9 month old-this is my second semester going full time-its a lot! But the #1 thing I say I have learned is to ALWAYS come straight out and tell my hubby if I expect him to do something while I am at school...i just figured he knew to not let me come home a messy house! lol but also be flexible..learn to get homework done ahead of time if you can b/c u never know when somebody is going to be sick! Good luck
~Lara

I just finished getting my associates degree, so I totally understand what you are asking! It isnt easy! My personal advice is to explain that in order to better your family unit you need to better yourself. This means that your family has to pull together as a team to keep things going while you do this. You will still be there and still plan on spending time with them but you will need them to help out a little more. I used a chore chart. We sat down and divided up the chores and then assigned them. volunteers first. Hope this helps and good luck!

Wow....I feel your stress...I need help with this one to!!!!!!! I am currently in the same sittuation, I have two jobs right now that I am trying to ballance with housework and my family of 4. I took on the second job because it is close to the college and I really want to go back to school and make something of my self while I still have time. I want to show a good example for my girls. I have to work to support them and right now we live pay check to pay check, and things get tight. I will be quiting the first job as soon as my 2 weeks notice is up. But I just dont know how to do this if I cant hardly handle two jobs and home now how will I balance it all when I go back to school and have homework as well. My house is trashed, My kids are out of controll, and my husband is ripping his hair out! It dont help either that we just moved and nothing is organised. I dont have the time to unpack and get organised and my husband allways claimes he dont know how to do it and so everything waits for me to get home. Arggg....I need a vacation. So I deffinatly know what you are going through....and if you find any answers here I cant wait to here them.

Been there, done that! Many days and nights of sitting at the computer with my 2 year old on my lap, while I typed papers. Not easy, but I have an awesome husband that helps out tremendously. The chore list thing is fine if your kids are older, but you have to count on your husband to help out if your kids are little, you can't expect them to "pull" together. I don't know if you are on a strict time scedule, but it might be easier to just take a few classes each semester, rather than going full time. It is hard, but will be worth it!

Dear A.,

Two points that may help...
I did this and I am now 53 with grown children.

#1 I made meals ahead of time. I would make the meals for the week on Saturday and then whoever could just had to heat them through or finalize any finishing touches. This greatly helped dinner time.

#2 I put all my notes on 3 X 5 cards and took them with me everywhere. Car pool, Dr. appointments, etc. and used any time waiting to study.

I graduated with a 3.8 grade point average.

Do not give up. Every class you take brings you one step closer to your goal and everything you learn stays with you forever.

T.

Get a picture book that is baby proof like mabey just some laminated pictures of the family together and put them on a ring so your children won't miss you as much. For yur husband right down a day in your life as to schedules, tasks, and playtime with the children. Make a list of thier favorite movies and also keep it real, he is probably not going to be able to do everything you did, remember as long as your children ar fed, clean, happy and alive, and your house doesn't self destruct, he's basically done his job...LOL... But if he has a guide to keep the children happy and he follows it life will be easier all around. Also be prepared that he will change some of the norms and that is very irratating but as long as the children respond well that is what matters... Hope this helps.