Going Back to School - Seattle,WA

Go for it! A friend in the same position went back to school last fall and it has made a world of difference for her family! I am not going to say it has been all hearts and roses, but her family understands that she is doing something that will make her a better person. And the time she spends with her child is more meaningful as a result. You might have to make some lifestyle changes or lose a little sleep, but in the long run....it will be worth it!

Part of being a good mom is showing a happy, fulfilled and strong female role model. It would be so beneficial and important for you both. It is about the quality and not the quantity of time you and your son spend together and there may also be a benefit for the grandparent/child relationship as they spend more time together. Best wishes to you.

M.,

I have to add my two cents worth too. GO FOR IT!!!! There are many online and evening classes nowadays. Even if you take one or two classes at a time you will be bettering yourself tremendously. And, like other posters, you and your son can study together. It's great that his grandmother is willing to help you out. Take advantage of that, as long as your son enjoys his time with her.

Hope this helps,
encouragingly,
Melissa

Absolutely do it! It will be an adjustment but you will be setting yourself up for a much more secure future. Also, you'll meet other people doing the same thing and they can be an excellent resource/support group for you. You will also be setting a good example for your son about the value of education. When he sees you studying it will motivate him to do the same :).

Good luck!
E.

GO FOR IT!!! Education is so very important. It not only will be good for you but a good example for your kid too! There are a lot of programs to help single moms too. You have a long road ahead of you and more education can only help make it an easier road!!! You will have much better job opportunities which will make life easier in a lot of ways!!! GO FOR IT!!! JUST DO IT!!!

M., I think it's great that you're considering going back to school. Do it!! Especially if you have family that will help with your son. Even if you work during the day, you can probably take one or two classes that you could attend a couple of nights a week. I can understand the guilt about being away from him but it's short-term and for a really great reason. It's proven that people who earn 45 credits and a college credential reach what's called "The Tipping Point" and do better career-wise. Plus it's a great opportunity to model school and homework to your son. You guys can study together! I work at a community college in Seattle and have lots of students tell me that that was one of the biggest impacts was studying with their children and the sense of pride they felt as their kids watched them accomplish something so important and difficult. Good luck with your decision and good for you for even considering it!! W.

M.,

Get over your guilt and go to school! You have a great opportunity that may not always be there. Higher education is a great investment in your family's future, and you will be setting a wonderful example for your son, not to mention keeping your brain young by learning new things.

So, thank Grandma profusely, thank your son for making this very grown-up sacrifice, and get thee to class! :)

D. T

Ask yourself one question - why not? I have a nine year old and a two year old and it has taken me three years to get my AA degree - I just finished two weeks ago. Cascadia Community College has the whole program online and you don't even have to go to class unless you decide to take any extra classes that aren't offered online. I work full time and my mom helped with the kids when I needed extra hours during mid-terms or finals...and it didn't take that much time away from the kids. Most assignments aren't due until midnight - and evenings after the kids went to bed was my time to do homework. Two to three hours a night was all it took and I am much better off for it - please e-mail me if you need any help with talking to counselors or getting started with financial aid. (the government will help moms with online classes and pay for books if needed as long as you take a minimum of 6 credits a quarter) Do it for yourself - it was the best decision I ever made.

Hi M.,

When I was (much) younger, my mom went back to school to complete her Bachelor's of Science degree, and she actually hired a teenager to come with us to the University of Washington evenings when she had classes. The girl that was hired would just sit with me in the library, and after homework, we'd watch movie or play games. Since then, my mom has been able to get into the career field she loves-clinical research. She still raised me the right way, and was able to reach her goals simultaneously. Go for it; there's no better way to help others (especially your child) learn to set and reach goals than by example.

Also, although I don't yet have any children of my own, I do work full time and completed my AA via evening and online classes at Bellevue Community College (BCC). Lots of the community colleges around Puget Sound have good programs that can be completed online, just do some searching online (Shoreline CC, Green River CC, Lake Washington Technical College, etc.)

Good luck-let us know how it turns out!
E.

Going back to school was the best thing I did for myself! I got my BA on-line at the University of Phoenix when my daughter was 2. I did all my school work after she went to bed so it did not interfear with spending time with her. It workered great..sure their were a few late nights but it was worth it. Look into on-line it worked great for me. BTW my husband is getting is MBA on-line does all his work in the eve after our daughter goes to bed. Great way to "fit in" an education into your life. Good luck!

Look into online classes, maybe you could do them after he's asleep? Also keep in mind that you need to follow your dreams and that a happy and fulfilled mom equals a happy family! Spending time with his grandma could be a good thing for him, after all you'll be around longer than she will and the older generation has a lot to teach the younger ones. It's only a short time in the big picture, go for it!