a million questions for uni student mummas!

[Glass half full]

So I am starting to consider maybe thinking about possibly studying Nursing/Midwifery in the future!

My questions are: how old were your children when you started studying?
Do you study full or part time? If I was to go ahead I would probably start part time and see how I go, but I get put off when I think about how long it would take to complete a degree studying part time.
To those of you with no/little support, how do you do it!? Yes, I have DF but his work never stops! He is self employed so when he gets home he still has paperwork etc to do so its not like I can rely on him to take over in the evenings. I would still have to do all the dinner, bath & bed stuff.
Did you find it hard getting into it after a long break from high school? It has been 10 years since school, I didn't do TEE, I don't even think I know how to write an essay! it all seems so scary.

That'll do for now. I'm sure I'll think of some more soon enough.

Thanks so much in advance

[krysalyss]

I started full time study when DS was about a year. I am doing a PhD and it really is a full time job. There is simply no way I could have done it on top of full time child caring. I have only been able to do it as DH has totally supported me the whole way. Even with that, it is still exhausting honestly as I still spend a lot of time with DS because I don't want either of us to miss out on the time we have now. I can't wait to finish. I know that in the end it will be worth it and that has kept me going. Don't want to put you off though as everyone has different experiences.

[Glass half full]

Wow you are amazing! I have a friend doing her PhD at the moment so I know how full on it is.

I know MIL would be happy to have the kids 1 or 2 days a week, but I don't want to miss out on too much like you said. Wouldn't really like to put them in childcare either. I guess waiting till they're at school would be the best option. Or at least when DD's at school. Hmmm, so much to think about.

[Glamourcide]

I'd be happy to share my experiences so far, as it sounds like we have some similarities! I graduated from year 12 in 2003 (didn't do the QCS test though so didn't get an OP score), but didn't want to go to uni at the time so got on with life in general - a few TAFE courses, working retail/hospitality, got married and had the girls... then last year, I decided it was time to get myself educated! I enrolled in the STEPS course through CQUni, which is a tertiary prep course and sounds like it'd be right up your alley given your current situation - it has four subjects (computing, maths, language & learning and tertiary prep), which start you off with the basics you'll need so that you're prepared for further study. So far this year, we've been taught step-by-step how to research and write an essay, done lots of work on concepts like behavioural profiles and learning styles (which has been very handy as it gives us a better insight into how we can get the best results by tailoring our study methods to fit our personalities), and lots of other stuff that I feel will really give me the tools I need to pursue further study - AND it's been a good kind of 'practice run' by learning how to juggle home life before I dive right into the 'big' courses!
My uni offers this course (local universities near you should offer similar tertiary prep programs for 'mature-aged' students) in several ways - external, day classes (part-time), night classes (part-time, I decided to take these ones as I can't afford the daycare spots and needed to be in the classroom to stay motivated), and accelerated (full-time during the day, but those students graduate in half the time).
It's free for students who qualify (all you have to do is be an Australian resident, meet the criteria and sign a form promising the government that you'll do your best to finish the course and not waste their money!), all I have had to pay for is some exercise books and pens, pencils, calculator etc - less than $100

My DH is at home with the girls at night and he's pretty slack with their routine - I have dinner prepared before I go to class at 5:30 and when I get home at 8:30 I have to bath them and put them to bed, but it's no big deal for us - it's only 3 nights a week and they're at an age where I don't consider a strict routine to be hugely important... if DH wants to slack off and just watch TV and play with them, I'm okay with it

So I'd suggest having a look into a similar course where you are, I'm really enjoying dipping my toes in and learning what I'm going to be in for when I start whatever courses I decide to go with next year Good luck, I hope you can find an option that works for you! x

[Glass half full]

Thanks a lot Glamourcide! I will definitely look into prep courses around my area, it sounds like exactly what I need.
I am the same as you and prefer to learn in the classroom as I am the worlds worst procrastonator! Another reason why it's crazy for me to be considering uni. Many things to be worked on

[*EJ*]

I just sat down to write an almost identical thread, i too am thinking about nursing/midwifery.... Do you mind if we share munchkin-mumma ????

Glamourcide i found your reply really helpful thank you

I'm trying to get my head around part-time, full-time or distance when i'm a mother of 3 very busy little children. But i'm really getting excited about the prospect of the challenge and achieving something with my life. I have not studied for over 10 years either

I'm a little unsure of my capabilities, i completed year 12 and got a smallish TER score (what it was called back in my day, not idea if it's still the same). So maybe a prep course would be great for me also.

How do i even begin to contact uni's? The open days are acutally next month so i was thinking maybe going to some of those but what are the questions i should be asking? I'm currently a SAHM and DH is working so we're on one wage, are there alternative financial options available?

Thanks ladies

[Glass half full]

How cool *EJ*, great minds aye Share away!!

Open days sound like a great idea, I will look into they are at my local uni.

It's scary thinking of trying to handle study as well as small kids but I don't want to wait forever either! I haven't even discussed it properly with DF so I guess that would be a start hey! Unfortunately I feel like I will get more support here so we'll just have to see how that goes.

[*EJ*]

I know exactly what you're saying. It's something i've kept to myself for quite some times. I briefly mentioned it the other day to DH. I too want to do it now rather than later, my way of rationalising it is that by the time i'm getting 'close' to being done the kids might be all in school and i'd be able to manage part-time to full-time work then. But at the same time i don't want to miss out on anything... so we'll have to see. I've also just put in an information request at a local uni so i'll see what i get from that.

It's a little exciting...

[*EJ*]

I know a question for the already studying nurses/midwives.... Is there any good literature that i can go out and get and begin to read?

[Catastrophic]

how old were your children when you started studying?

I had my first whilst I was studying (my first year) I took a year off after she was born. And have gone part time since then, also having another child in the mean time. I did 4 years of part time, and my last year is Full time.

Do you study full or part time?

I answered the question up there. I did 4yrs of part time, and 1 year (this year FT)

To those of you with no/little support, how do you do it!?

You just cope. I don't really know how, I get asked all the time. I am lucky in the fact that my Ex did do a lot of the housework. but now it's just me, and i'm still coping... When you have no other choice and a passion for what your doing you fit it in.

Did you find it hard getting into it after a long break from high school?

I didn't have a long break. But i'm sure you'll do fine. Just take all the help you can from the university they have special workshops and things that are really useful.

[Cassius2]

I started my PhD when DD1 was 5 months old (crazy i know lol).

I went into it full-time and worked initially 2 days a week and DH brought her in for BF. then when we got a place at the uni childcare she went 2 days and had one day with DH at home.

the following year i went 4 days a week (DD1 was 18 months at this stage). she had 3 days in CC and 1 day with DH.

It was the same the following year when i finished up

It was hard without any other support. DH was GREAT, but yeah a grandparent or two to help out on the odd day/night would of really made the experience a wee bit less stressful. that said, i would do it all over again, as it was really satisfying and I could be a bit more flexible with my hours than if i were at a job IYKWIM. and now i can apply for workt that i find meaningful, so that way at least if i am not with my girls i am still proud of what i am doing...

[Glamourcide]

I'm glad I could help out, girls I hope you can both pursue similar options if it looks like they would suit your situations! I decided to get started before the kids are in school so that I would be 'halfway there' and able to hopefully enter paid employment sooner, itms? Like, get into the uni bit now so that when my kids go off to school, I've got some study done so I'll be in my chosen career (or at least starting out!) within a couple of years of them starting school, instead of 4+ years.
It does get a bit rough at times - we've had a few students drop out due to difficulties balancing study on top of work or family (surprisingly, all the mummies are still here, it's the ones with boyfriends that are having issues lol!), and I've had my own crisis points where I've seriously wondered why I'm bothering, but it's so rewarding to see my efforts paying off (a lot like parenting!), and now that I've completed the first term and we're 4 weeks into Term 2 (only 8 weeks left!), it's a great motivator to keep pushing on, knowing that I'm doing well and there is light at the end of the tunnel. It certainly is a challenge, but it's a really rewarding one so I'd definitely recommend it for those of you who are considering university but don't know where to start!
I looked online and downloaded an application form, sent it off and was asked to do a 'testing day', for which I had to prepare a written piece (just talking about myself and my goals, how I planned to juggle study and family life etc), then was accepted and had a few months to get organised (nut out routines etc with DH) and now I'm scoring High Distinctions on my assessments, making some great friends and I'm really enjoying it Good luck!

[feeb]

I did my nursing and mid years ago pre kids but am currently studying Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing Science in Child, Family and Community. I started in feb this year when DS1 was 2 and 1/2 and DS2 was 1 year old. I am studying part time and its still full on lots of work and placements. They go to CC 1 day a week while I do placements and occasional care 5 hrs a week to allow me time to do modules and essays, other than that I have to do work 2200 until 0100 as DS2 is a shocking sleeper. My family live 2 and 1/2 hrs away and both my parents still work mu does nights. In laws I would not use to watch kids as both kids are very full on and active and I would not be comfortable.

My course is mainly distance ed with 3 compulsory days start of each semester this year and 4 voluntary tutes during the semester.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

DS was 2 when I went back to study chemistry 5 days a week, school term hours (a lot of the students had children at school), then went on to study teaching. I had precious little support from DH, save that he believed I could do it (difficult when he gives no physical support and berates me for my paperwork taking over the house at assessment times) and just got used to staying up until 1am then teaching up to 5 lessons a day the next day. Liebling got quite a few films in my bed while I worked because DH "had" to go fishing before assesssments. I was full time mum, full time wife, full time student and full time teacher. I was not good at any of them, but passed at least.

But I do love learning, so was thrilled to get back into it and didn't have a problem with not having studied formally since doing my bachelor's.

[Traveller]

\how old were your children when you started studying?

They were 6, 5 and 3 year old twins.

Do you study full or part time?

Full time, as there is no option to study part time at my uni

To those of you with no/little support, how do you do it!?

My husband has to help. He is self employed too so has to sometimes finish early to help me out, and as we are both busy all the time we share the household stuff (although I do the lion's share of the laundry still).

Did you find it hard getting into it after a long break from high school?

Yes and no. I have wanted to be a midwife for 5 years so it was wonderful finally getting started. However writing essays after 12 years did take some getting used to but I am into the swing of it now.

HTH. I am doing a double nursing/midwifery degree and am in my first year

[Shades]

So I'm hijacking also - hope nobody minds, and I'm wondering. Full time uni with a 2yr old OR 4yr old (depending on start date) - as a single mum with only daycare and occasionally sparse family support - is it doable?

[Glass half full]

Thank you all for your replies. You have certainly convinced me that it is possible, as difficult as its may be. Your stories are very inspiring

Hi Shades, I hope you get some answers you're looking for here too. What are you thinking of studying?

[Smoke Jaguar]

A bit like TFB - a DP who supported me in a very non-tangible sense. Not even sure what his version of 'support' is, really.
Anyway, a bit different, I had my Hons degree in Arts already when I began my current course in Psych. I fell pg the same year. That's when someone really could have tapped me on the shoulder and told me to wait!
I have the dodgiest looking transcript and I have two units to do - I also have a deadline because uni says if I don't finish by December I'm out!
It's been awful, and now I know why mummies wait till kids are in school before going back to study. My brain hasn't been nearly as 'with' DS as I would have liked all these years because of due dates, classes or weekend schools (I've done a mix of on and off campus study modes), exams, and guilt because I haven't done enough study.
I would suggest waiting at least until the youngest is in kinder. My DP SAID he'd take up the slack around the home, and I asked him to really listen to what I was asking of him and he STILL cried foul when I said he'd need to be looking after dinner and laundry and housecleaning if I were to do well at uni. So, I ended up being homemaker AND student, and I've never been great at either, and I only get top marks for mothering (which is fine, cos that's what I'll be judged on by my kids when my time is up), because I decided that my parenting would be the last thing to 'give', even if it meant barely passing with crap marks.
I wasn't even in a hurry to finish my degree, it was just my stubborn streak of "well, I've already started it...", and when I'm done with this year I won't even have a psych qual! And I'm not going back for that till this third baby has been conceived, born and raised to kinder age...I just can't do that to my kids again while they're so little and doing all that developing that I can't relive later.