Is it wrong to go back to school when my youngest child is only 3?

Question

I have applied to go back to university in the fall.

I have been a stay at home mom for 12 years. My childen are 12, 7 and 3.

Do you think I am making a mistake?

I am going to take my teaching degree and won't be done for 5-6 years. I want to go back to school before I am too old, as it is, I will be 40 by the time I am done.

I am worried about my youngest child. We will have to get a babysitter for her during the day, most likely my mother or sister in law. I have never been away from my children.

Am I making a mistake?

Answer 1

No, do what you need to do to make your family's future better.  Do dads feel guilty when they have to leave the kids at home to go to work or school?  No they do not.  And neither should you.

Answer 2

there are a lot of variables here, so try to sort them all out before you jump back into full-time work and leave her elsewhere without really seeing how much time you need to be away to work--is there some way you can do what you're qualified for but closer to home? what about the childcare situation--could you be sure it's a family member who is kind and cheerful--even family members can get tired and overworked, and may need a nice book on what is appropriate for that age so they don't hear what my daughter got from my mother, when my daughter was 2 and doing what 2 yr. olds do, just playing with her spaghetti, it was horrible to hear her being called a"bad girl! bad girl!" over something so innocuous, esp. from a relative. imagine what they might do when there is a normal meltdown.

If you have doubts it may be your instincts telling you to be  careful. maybe you are bored and need extra money--any part time possibilities so you can have the best (or worst) of both worlds? this is a vulnerable age. your job may help you in ways but you may also be exhausted unless you have a great boss, easy commute, and feel really good about childcare stuff.

by the way being in one's 40s is not so old to begin teaching. You could have a productive career for some 20 years if you wanted. time is so short when kids are young. I DO work, and have kids, but I know both sides & how important it is to choose wisely between what we need now and what can wait or be adjusted to be a better fit for your daughter. You are important, and should not be bored or restless. But just be  careful. maybe you could take it slowly, the classes, etc. Where I live (NYC area) there is a program that takes people from other professions and pays for their masters, training and mentoring them to start learning by helping in a classroom -- kinda like a boot camp but it is a successful program. People start getting paid as soon as they are working in the classroom. these programs exist elsewhere too. no one ever regrets spending more time with their kids when they are young but there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to your situation, I know. good luck.

Answer 3

Never would your education be a mistake!

The best thing I could have done for myself is getting a degree.

You wouldnt be negaliticing your children, you have been with all of them for a total of 12 years.

I would get a babysitter for the youngsters and still focus on yourself.  It is possible to accomplish it will take much effort and hard work.

GOOD LUCK, and try not to stress out.

Answer 4

There is no wrong or right...but ask yourself this question.  How long is a year of your life........? How long is a year of a a small child's life.......?

You're a Mom, you know how fast that first few years go and that those first 5 years develops that child.  If you have a perfect sitting situation, I wish you all the luck in the world.  You sound like a great Mom.  I understand wanting to go to school too.  But what's the difference between 40 and 41?  Why not give it just until she/he starts kindergarden?

Answer 5

You need to go to school. I also have 3 kids and if I could go back to school I certainly would. I also stayed at home with my 3 while they were babies.  Once they were your youngest's age, I did go to work because a great job opportunity came up, and it's only part-time. You have to realize that in a few years, your kids will be busy with their own activities and lives, and you will have to start from there, just being older, which will be harder. DO IT NOW.  Your youngest will be fine, especially with FAMILY.  It is not a mistake. You are my age and I'm envious that you are able to go back. Do not miss this chance. You are not moving away from your children, you are simply doing something during the day to better all of your lives.  It will take time to adjust, but everyone will be fine.

Answer 6

the most important thing is ur kids u need to wait until the youngest is in school

Answer 7

I went back to school (to be a teacher) this summer; and my youngest just turned three this week.  We are doing just fine.  My youngest likes getting to go to the babysitter's, a family friend.  I think that it is a wonderful idea.  Just be prepared for a lot of work.  Good luck!!!

Answer 8

Absolutely not. I went back to school when my daughter was 9 months old, and I nursed her for 2 1/2 years....all while going to nursing school (no pun intended)  A happy parent makes for a better parent. It's been 3 years since I've graduated, and am very proud of my decision to have continued my education.  My family is too. By the way, I am 45 years old now. :)

Answer 9

I have always worked part-time and my mum looked after my children. My children have a great relationship with their grandma. Go back and finish your teaching degree, don't forget you have the school holidays to enjoy quality time with your child,  It will be good for him before he goes to school, to let go of his mum for few hours.

Answer 10

Do it.  It will be good for you.  If you choose not to go, because your youngest is "only 3" then you will probably never go.  You will find some reason or another to continue to find excuses preventing you to go.  Your 3 year old can talk, and she will be fine.  After devoting your life for the last 12 years to your children, you deserve to have something for yourself.  And think of what you will be teaching all of your children, when you go back to school? You will be teaching them about success, hard work, perserverance (can't spell lol) and so much more.  Them watching you study, will also help them in their own studies.  Children learn by example more so than anything else.  Your 12 year old is entering the part of school where it gets more difficult.  This is the perfect time for you to go back.  Don't worry about neglecting your youngest.  As soon as you get home from class, devote the first 30 minutes to just her.  Lots of hugs and snuggling.  You can even hold her while you read your text books.  You'll be fine, and so will she.  :-)

Answer 11

I am just finishing 2 of 6 of my teaching degree and I was a stay at home mom for 8 years and have boys that are 12, 9 and 7 right now but this was 2 years ago that I was forced to go back to school becuase I come home one day and my husbands clothes were gone from where he had left.

employers wont take just a high school education anymore but I dont regret returning to school and If that is what you want to do then do it no matter if your child is that young or not she will adjust its you that needs to come to terms with your decision.

but I will tell you this, (I am getting my associates and my exceptionalities certificate) for every one class there is two hours at least homework!!!!

good luck to you

Answer 12

Absolutely not.  

I am a big believer that a happy Mom makes a happy child.

You are investing in her future, and providing your other children with an incredibly positive role model.

She'll quickly adjust to the new schedule, and so will you.

Your brain will be stimulated, and you'll become a more interesting person to everyone around you, including your soon-to-be teenager!

You'll also be a much better parent if you have taken some educational courses.

It's only in the past two generations that mothers have had the luxury of 'not working' while their children are young.  Before that, all but the richest mothers always worked, and their children grew up fine, especially if cared for by doting relatives.

Way to go, Mom!