Managing parenting work and study guilt

[Sometimeitrains]

Hi does anyone work and study while raising their kids and have a routine down flat for how to do this successfully?

Im currently studying an MA part time and feeling really guilty.as although Im physically present a lot of the time mentally my head is always on my assignments and where Ive always been on top of everything at home Im seriously struggling.



I planned to stop and just go for the certificate rather than the full qualification then today I got marks back for an assignment were a distinction and really want to carry on but just feel I shouldnt...

[freegazelle]

Are you working as well? What's your contact hours at uni like?

[freegazelle]

I know what you mean about the guilt, but its about your baby's future as well. Make sure you put time aside for quality time together.

I work 20 hours a week nights from home. Study work is done first thing in the morning when my baby is docile and watches TV, and then after he goes to sleep. In between I try and give him a decent amount of attention and do cooking/ housework. I co sleep so he has me all night as well.

One more year and then he can start nursery p/t!

[Sometimeitrains]

Thanks for commenting. I actually ment to post this in student parent. Ive reported my post and asked for it to be moved.

[Tinysarah1985]

Yep, i’m in the same boat. Work 20 hrs a week over 5 days (various shifts) and have a 3 1/2 year old who is at nursery 3 1/2 days a week. I do really struggle to fit it all in. i have to admit to letting my standards in terms of housework slipping slightly but the house is still clean and tidy, just not deep clean clean. I get bits of study fitted in when LO is at nursery but as I work different shifts one week to the next, it varies as to how much i can get done. And i get nothing done study-wise when OH is at home at the weekends! He’s home for a week now and i’m dreading it as it’s run up to assignment submission week

[MercedesDeMonteChristo]

I did my BA working full time with 3 children under 5 when I started and now doing an MA. I do have help though, flexible husband and my parents helped a lot with childcare when I was doing the BA. They are older now so I try to do things with them around so am more present. I've never felt guilty though - though this is worse now as they notice absences etc. Studying is my outlet and my joy and I get so much satisfaction from it that I actually think it makes me better at parenting. I am messy though and struggle with the home. I also share my work with them a lot, have taken them to the library so it's not an abstract idea and they know it is to have a better career in the long term for all of us.