Tough studying a masters whilst a single parent Any tips?

[Shelley76]

I am currently doing a masters that I have just paid to list a link to under the media section. Although I am really enjoying the topic I am researching on internet use and maternal stress levels, I find it rather ironic as I am online and stressed out!!! I am finding it really tough being a parent and studying at the same time. I am not getting much sleep these days as all the end of term school stuff for my son is getting in the way of my own studying. How do others overcome this? Any tips greatly appreciated as I have days like today where I worry about submitting my masters on time. It will be even tougher to study when my son has his summer holidays so any study/entertaining a 7 year old. I just want to hide under my duvet but work, study and 7 year old won't allow that!!

Today I was approached about applying for a phD. Scary! Not even finished my masters and not sure that I can do a PhD as it would make things pretty tough financially being a single parent. Plus would have to move. That said, perhaps a move would do me good. Decisions decisions...that's the hardest thing about being single - having to take all the decisions alone. That said, nothing stopping me from being brave! Eeeek.

Have you had a look in here Shelley76 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/student_parents
there are lots of people trying to study and look after children and you might get more answers.

Thanks for the tip, webwiz. I am just getting to know the site and I wish that I had found it sooner as it would have been very helpful when my son was younger. What a wealth of information we have here! There is nothing quite like tips from other mums that 'know' what it is like.

Hi, I studied for a Masters (in Special Education) with the Open University a few years ago, whilst working full time and being a single parent to a son (aged 12 when I started). Actually it wasn't as difficult as I expected, but what helped me was planning - I planned my time so carefully that I never missed a deadline - and a 'little and often' approach to the home study. I attended every tutorial (taking son with me if necessary) so as to keep in touch with it all. Good luck. You won't regret it. Remember though - worst case scenario - there's nothing wrong with failure.

Would the PhD not be funded?

Unless you're lucky enough to be doing a funded Masters, a funded PhD (with stipend) should work out OK/better for money surely?

I completely agree about the difficulty and added stress of being the only one making decisions though. It's tough, but you're seven years in and it sounds like you're doing a good job so far!

PoshPaula has it absolutely right IMO, and planning is key. It's a fine balance between the parenting/running a house/doing the work, and planning (and sticking to it) will help you maintain that.

Thanks for the tips. I have decided to go for it and apply! Eeeek. Deadline is mid-august. Fingers crossed that it works out.
PoshPaula - yes, planning is key and I am too easily tempted by things that always end up changing my timetable...Must improve the sticking to it part! Glad to hear it is possible and well done to you for completing it! :)
WinstonWolf - thanks for the compliment and you are right - it should be easier financially than right now. Good point.

Excellent news!

Best of luck :)

Great, and good for you. However it turns out I bet you won't regret it. Accept whatever support is offered, by the way - most of us are too independent!

Ah yes, asking for and accepting help is not my strong point! I'll let you know how it all goes - should know by the end of August. :) I am getting rather excited about the idea.

I did all my BA, MA and PhD as a single parent, and whilst it is tough, it is achievable!

I finished my PhD before many of the child-free people who started at the same time as me, not because I was better than them, but because I was so conscious of the little time I had to spare, I tried to make every minute count!

Good luck with it

Hi i must say thanks to everyone posting stuff here its so useful to someone like me newly single kids wanting to study not really knowing where to turn etc :-)