Advice to get through graduate school as a single mother of a toddler?
juno mama asked:
I want to go back to a nurse-midwife master’s program but may have to go as a single mom with a 2 year old, and I cannot even imagine this! Anyone been through similar? I am also debating Public Health Masters degree… Anyone been in grad school with a baby as a single mom? Advice??
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Filed Under Higher Education (University +) |
Tagged With Baby Mom, Grad School, Public Health
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5 Responses to “Advice to get through graduate school as a single mother of a toddler?”
Have patience.
At first I was single with a baby….until I met my now husband. My son’s biological father took off and left due to not wanting the responsibility of a child as soon as the doctor confirmed my pregnancy (we were 23 years old at the time, in a 1 year relationship and graduated from a 4-year college). The ONLY thing that got me through it was the phenomenal support my parents provided me. I moved in with them when I was pregnant and stayed the first two years of my son’s life until I graduated (and got married). I was able to focus on my studies and also be a loving mother to my son throughout my program. I took seven, no joke, SEVEN grad classes in my last trimester of pregnancy and pulled a 3.98 GPA overall when I graduated. I owe my parents so much and try to show them daily how much I appreciate what they did for me…and continue to do….it can be done….if you have the support you need from your family.
I wish you to the absolute BEST….congrats to you for pursuing your masters degree….you are an AWESOME mother!!
I am male, but I have an ex-girlfriend who did something like this- graduated from a doctoral program with a young child, and even taught some classes while she was studying.
You will need help, preferably from family members or close friends, even if you have access to child care, because there will be times when you need to study or attend class and occasionally just decompress.
Obviously, you will not want to neglect your child, so make sure that you manage your time well and are there for him/her as much as possible. Not only do you want to do right by your little one, but you do not want him/her to have difficulties that become a distraction for you.
Try to estimate liberally how much time your studies will take, and make adjustments as you progress. Make sure your professors and classmates know your situation. They will probably be sympathetic and helpful to you as a result.
In sum, know what you are getting into, plan well, and be mentally prepared for the challenge. Assume it will be difficult, because it will be and you will need to be strong. Communicate well with your little one and others and do your best. Good luck…..
I am one class away from my masters in education. I started grad school when my son was 2 and have worked full time and taken classes weekends and nights. It has been really hard, but so worth it in the long run! Good for you to make a better life for you and your child. Being a single mom, my family has helped me so much, so if you have that as support you are lucky. I had to set a schedule for myself as far as setting aside time to read and study. I learned to never study in bed or on the couch or you will fall asleep! I got most of my work done after my son went to bed, since the little ones usually go to sleep early enough. Sit at the kitchen table and just hit the books. I made flashcards out of index cards to study for exams, I have stacks of them…they are good because you can put them in your purse and have them ready to flip through whenever you get a few minutes…waiting in traffic or waiting for an appointment.
It is really hard, but well worth it. There were days I felt so bad because it was nice out and I had to study and sit my son in front of the tv for a movie…but you have to do that sometimes. Just try not to feel guilty because it is good for your child to see that you are working hard and furthering your education, and it won’t take forever. In the end you will hopefully be able to work less hours, make more money, and spend more time with your child. You just have to sacrifice now. Good luck!
If you’re a highly self-motivated and self-disciplined person, it might be an idea to check out on-line graduate programmes. They’re much more flexible, albeit its a much lonelier experience.
It might be worth checking out where there are some good short articles and links.