going back to school/new moms

[littlemamatobe]

I can't wait to go back to college in the fall but I am a tad nervous I won't be able to do it all. Working school and a new born!! How did you ladies do it? Any tips? Fulltime/part-time? Where teachers understanding? Really I just need some encouraging advice, can I really do this?!?

[Aly215]

Bigget tip I can give you is sleep study clean do whatever you can when baby is sleeping ...another thing I found helpful is dont constantly hold your baby utilize a bouncer and swing by no means think im saying dont love on her/him but make sure you time manage very well thats how i got through school with a newborn

[RockRose]

No, they're not.  Single parents can live with their families and raise their children and then when the child goes to school or pre-K,  at the age of 4 or 5,  they can work.  Preschool a couple mornings a week for a 3 and 4 year old is also good.

But yes,  mostly it's true.  Single parents have much fewer options when it comes almost everything.

[KaitlinMarie]

Those are the only 2 choices for a single parent

[RockRose]

Hopefully,  someone IS mothering your child,  at daycare.  The best daycares have caring loving staff who stay there for years and are a constant carer for a baby.  

Some daycares have staff that switches around and there's always a new care giver who is often cold and not nurturing.  And the child basically just sits there all day waiting for mommy to return.

I'm not bashing people who have to hire someone to take care of their babies,  Kaitlin.  I'm saying that no,  you can't work and go to school full time and raise your child.  Someone else has to do that.  

The idea "I can do it ALL" is a farce.  You can't.  Someone else has to do some of it.

And yes,  I'd rather women work than live off the welfare,  but those aren't the only two choices - I hope everyone realizes that.

[KaitlinMarie]

Daycare is a common thing now in days. I would rather send my child to daycare(where she developes social skills) and work full time, then live off the state. Someone else isnt "mothering" my child. They are watching her so I can be the best mother possible.

[RockRose]

Oh certainly,  Kaitlin, it's very possible to BE all those things - a student,  a worker and a mother.  It's just not possible to DO all those things.  You have to find someone to do the mothering while you're spending full time doing something else and away from the baby.

Everyone has 24 hours in a day.   It's not possible to spend any of those hours in two different places.  So while you are a mother,  someone else is doing that job while you are working.

[KaitlinMarie]

Actually it is fully possible to do school, work and be a mother. There are online classes to start with. Its all about balance. No you wont have a social life for awhile, and it may get exhausting but its worth it. Youre doing whats best for your baby by bettering yourself.

[Aly215]

Bigget tip I can give you is sleep study clean do whatever you can when baby is sleeping ...another thing I found helpful is dont constantly hold your baby utilize a bouncer and swing by no means think im saying dont love on her/him but make sure you time manage very well thats how i got through school with a newborn

[RockRose]

The reality is,  no,  you can't do it all.  You can't take care of a baby and go to school and work.

But you can find someone else to do the mothering job,  while you go to school and work.  

Mothering is a full time job,  and going to school and work is a full time job.  But you can hire someone to do the mothering while you're working full time on the other pursuits.

[oct3014]

I am in the same boat I go back next month and I won't be due until the end of October so hopefully I will be able to graduate before the baby comes I'm only nervous about doing my extern but the school is willing to work with me and send me to a medical site that will be safe for me and the baby!

[ljml671214]

8 yr old 6 yr old and 2 yr old with one due in may...*

[ljml671214]

You can do it if you really want to. I have three children and I'm pregnant. I started back to college when my third was born. I have an 8 yr old a 6 yr old and am due in may. Teachers will only understand if you keep them in the loop. Let them know right from the get go that you have a new baby. If something happens..an illness or something...right away. Don't wait til you have missed an assignment. If you tell them you are experiencing difficulties then the two of you can come up with a plan for school work. Always get a doctors note for you if your child is sick in the event that you have to prove that they are really sick. If you make a schedule and stick to it you should be fine. Never wait til the last minute to finish your school work. Knock the assignments out when you actually have time and energy for them. I have been a full time student for two years now and don't plan on stopping once this little man is born. All of my teachers know that I'm expecting...In the event that I go early and miss an assignment. I do my homework when my youngest is napping or in bed for the night (she goes down at 7). If I need extra time for school work on the weekends my husband or mom in law takes the youngest for an hour or two. With an infant it's a lot easier though because they do LOTS of sleeping!!!  Good luck. If you have any more questions feel free to ask...

[Jasmine_jay_]

I'm right there with you! I'm going back to college in the Spring because I'm not due until Sept. I plan to work, go to school, and take care of my child because he deserves the best. You can do it!