Wanting to start school even though I just had a baby?

Question

Okay, I'm 30 yrs. old and just had my 5th child. I've always been blessed to be a stay at home mom to all my children, my oldest is 11 (Yes- my hubby has a great job and we live a comfortable lifestyle.) But we've always said that I would eventually go to school and get my degree to set an example for my children that both parents need an education. My problem is, is it wrong to want to start now? All my children are in school, except of course my 7 month old. I'm going to start out with online classes, but really have a desire to go to class, I guess after all these years, I'm bored and ready for something different. But how do I deal with the guilt? I said I would never let my children go to daycare, and now suddenly I don't know what choice I would have for chlildcare if I decided to be a full-time student. Anyone else experience this? How did it affect your children? Was it a good or bad experience for you and your family?

Answer 1

Go for it!! I`m 32 and a single mum of 2 girls.  I have just completed an access course and start University in September. Most colleges have very good nurserys attached now. The course i did was classed as full time, even though it was only 4 hrs a day over 4 days, so you would still have plenty time to spend with your 8 month old!

And you shouldn`t feel guilty, most mums now have no choice but to work.....so most children attend day care....and just think how proud your children would be of you!!

Good Luck x

Answer 2

Good for you!  I teach at the local community college and I have a lot of women come into my classes with small children or just having a baby.  As far as childcare is concerned, I also have the same issue.  I am a wahm, I teach online but I also teach in the classroom.  When this happens I make sure that the classes I teach are at nights or on the weekends so that my husband can stay home with our daughter.  Online classes sound like a good fit for you while your baby is young (don't know if you are breastfeeding).  Many campuses also offer childcare, but you have to be on a waiting list for that.  Sounds like it could only be a good experience for you and your family.  I'm sure you will feel much more fulfilled and satisfied with your life.

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

I did it when my son was only 7 months old, but I started with 2 classes it was fine and now I'm almost done with my degree and my son now goes with me to the on campus child center which he loves!

oh and I'm a full time student I take 18 credits/semester but only go to school 2 days a week(tues and thurs from 9-8 and this semester sunday morning from 9-12) my classes are back to back on those days so it works out better

Answer 4

I was in college when my oldest was born.  You do your best to schedule your classes either all for 2 days a week, and you are gone all day, or you try and schedule your classes for 4 or 5 days a week, but you only go mornings or afternoons.  I have found that if you can find a good daycare, a few hours a day with other children their age can be a wonderful learning experience and give them a chance to play with other kids.  I would recommend you find a daycare run from someones home with no more then 6 kids so your child still has that nice homey environment!!

Answer 5

Yea i guess its a good idea to finish your education now..... maybe u can start using protection after that...

Answer 6

I'm 39 and I just graduated from college with two degrees (anthropology and journalism, and a minor in political science). I waited until all of my kids were in full-time school before starting, though. I tried class with an infant long ago, it was easy, when they're still sleeping most of the day you can take them along with you to class (check with your instructor). The hard part was having a toddler, that's when I had to quit school. It was okay having them in a pre-school couple of hours while I was in class, but getting homework done with an active toddler is nearly impossible. Maybe with older kids to help it can be done, but it didn't work out for me.

Most colleges have on-campus day-care centers for children of students but there is usually a waiting list, in some you can't get on the list until you are actually a student. Check with your school to see what their policy is. Classes really only take a couple of hours a day, so you would not be dealing with the guilt of leaving your baby all day. You can also schedule your classes on only M-W-F or T-Th, to minimize the amount of time your baby spends in child care.

How did it effect my children? Well, I think they have a higher value on education, seeing me (and their dad) working hard to get our college degrees, they see how important it is to us. My daughter was 7 when I started, my boys were in middle school. Now each of them assumes they are going to college, they are approaching their educations with the challenge of getting into a better school than mom and dad did. The oldest starts college next month.

Answer 7

It's a great time to start.   There are many accredited universities with online degree programs now.  You can do it at home.

Answer 8

I'm in the same boat... sort of. I'm 30, as well, and will have our 4th (and last) child, in 3 months... I always said I'd go to school and/or get a job, once the kids are in school, but I chose to homeschool them! I have a 10-year-old son, 9-year-old daughter, 16-month-old daughter, and this last one is also a girl. :)

Anyway, I keep trying to go to school to get into the medical field, and every time I'm about to enroll, something happens, such as my third pregnancy; due to the nature of the work, they wanted me to wait until after baby was born... Well, after she was born, I didn't want to leave her! So, I put it off, thinking I'd go back, when she was a bit older; say 3 to 6 months... Except she was VERY attached to me, and didn't want anyone else. (Guilt!) Now I'm pregnant, again, and wanting to at least *start* classes, but then I'll have to take a month and a half to two months off, when baby is born, and then go back... Of course, with my track record, I'm worried that I will, again, feel guilty, and end up not finishing what I started... The class is Mon-Thurs, from either 8 - 1, or 5:30 - 10:30, for 9 months... My toddler is now comfortable enough to stay with dad or even grandma, even though she'd cry, at first... But, baby will be nursing, and would have to take a bottle, when I'm not home, and pumping is a pain, in my case.

Good luck. I understand the guilt, as well as the desire to actually go into class, rather than just online... If there is someone you trust, who can watch the children, and whom your 7-month-old loves, then maybe it won't be so bad... Especially if it's not full-time. :)

Answer 9

That would be great!  everyone needs a little time away from the house and all the motherly/wife duties.  If not you will go absolutely crazy!  Just try it.  I'm sure you can probably get a family member to help out with the childcare.  Go for it!

Answer 10

I'm 27 and starting classes in August! I know exactly how you feel. I have been a stay at home mom for years and want to get out and have a life out the home now.

It's normal and a good idea. My kids are proud of me! Yours will be too!

Go for it!

Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 11

I started back to school when my son was only 4 months old.  I only take evening classes so that my husband can watch my son.  At first you feel guilty leaving, but usually the class is only a few hours long, a few days a week.  You get used to going and there are some days that it feels nice to be out on my own even if I am sitting in lecture.  You could wait until the youngest is in preschool/kindergarten and take classes daytime or you could just do part time now and build up to that time.  Do not feel guilty about it, think about doing it for their future not only to set an example but to have the education if you needed to work to bring in some more income.  You can do it!  Don't be afraid!  It is worth it.

Answer 12

sounds like a fantastic idea!!

If you're worried about how it would affect your kids, don't be!

You would like them to work hard and study hard and see the value of education, wouldn't you?

You'll be setting them a fantastic example. You will teach them about dedication, perserverance, commitment and the value of education. How marvellous. Good on  you, good luck.