Advice on How to Handle Going Back to School

I too went back to school after having 4 children at home. I am now a registered nurse and I can tell you it was the hardest thing I have ever done but the most rewarding. I have been a RN for 2 years now and am grateful everyday for the opportunity to follow my dreams. I work 3 nights a week, am home everyday when the kids get off the bus and make supper and go to work.

Let the chores go for now...just study....in 2 years or so you can worry about the house...study every moment you can and this time will pass. The kids won't starve...in fact it may give them motivation to do for themselves abit if they HAVE to. They will have to learn to do laundry if they want clean clothes...etc. You are trying to do something that will benefit the family in the long term...My kids learned how to do laundry, cook, but they still don't pick up after themselves too much...grrr...In fact my 2 youngest ones learned how to cook a turkey all by themselves...it was an adventure that they still talk about today...and no one really remembers what it was like when I was in school...they just remember that I was in school for awhile but that I am a nurse now.
Just focus on the important is the best advice I can give you. We all survived...loved, laughed, cried...but now I am making an income that is benefiting all of us...I am home more now, then ever before, to be the Mom that they need, and I am happy with the career I have chosen. Who can ask for more?

Good luck and God Bless!!!

E-mail me if you need a shoulder... ____@____.com

a kindred spirit! i, too, am in nursing school... finishing up my first year (of a two year program) this may. i only have one baby, though, so i can't give a whole lot of advice on getting your kids to do your homework. school is a lot of work, and something other people don't seem to understand is, at least for me, every single day i make the decision again to keep going, and to take my little one to her grandparents. it's hard hard hard to leave her, but i promised myself and everyone else that i wouldn't let having a baby stand in my way of finishing school. i'm fortunate in that i have an awesome husband who does the majority of the house stuff (and works full time), and great parents who take care of her 5 days a week. i also work full time, as a nursing assistant, and therefore am out of my house 7 days a week for anywhere from 4-14 hours a day. all i can tell you girl, is keep going. you'll figure it out, what works for you and your family. don't let yourself wonder what might've been, and if nursing is what you are truly passionate about, you'll make it. btw, where are you going to school? are you in lexington? good luck to you, and it'll be over before you know it!

I would make a chore chart and also a schedule.The kids will know what they need to do and what time it needs to be done.Let them know you are excited to be back in school and try to sit down and do some of your some homework at the time they do yours. Also invest in a crockpot and a crockpot cookbook. Have the kids help get the meals ready and they will be excited sbout setting the table and eating. Try to stay positive and upbeat!!

How old are your children? I have a 6 year old step daughter who at first I had trouble with getting her to do her chores and homework so what my husband and I did was make a chart for her. We made a list of chores that she had to do and her school work and good behavior. We would give her stars to put on her chart everynight before she goes to bed. Then at the end of the month we would add up her stars and do a point system and depending on how many good stars she got she gets a choice of either getting an allowance or getting to go out and do a fun thing of her choice. So depending on how old your kids are that might work for you as well. Just a suggestion.

I have been in school for almost 2 years. One thing that I do is to go to my school early and put in some study time that way. It also gives me time to decompress.

Hi K.. I have been through what you are currently facing. First of all, how old are you children? Do you have any help at home with them like a husband, boyfriend, etc...?
It is hard enough to take care of four kids, let alone try to work and go to school yourself. Depending on the age of your children and whether they are in school or not, has a lot to do with you can handle your situation.
No matter what the situation is, it is never going to be easy raising four children and trying to go to school and work, but it CAN be done.
My sister in law is a Child Psychiatrist and I can talk to her about your situation and surely get some good advice for you. Just write me back at ____@____.com and let me know your kids' ages and their school schedules, etc.. and I will see what I can find out to help you.
Sincerely,
L.

I was in nursing school last semester but had to drop because of personal reasons. I am hoping to go back in August and restart the program! But anyways, I know its tough! I would go to school a little early and stay late after class when I had time. Other days, if I had ANY free time I may take my things and go to the public library. Its quiet and pretty easy to study there! Hope that helps and good luck with school and everything!!