Studying + small dcs

[sunchild77]

Tell me how you do it, please.

Mine are 4.5 and 2.5, my DH works pretty much 12 hours, and not home til 7pm.

Im loving my course with OU U212 Childhood, but really really struggling to get study time. Im knackered once they've gone to bed. I dont have any family who are close/willing to help.

I also want to ttc... am I completely mental. Will I ever get my much longed for degree?

I need some positive stories!

Thanks

I'm studying with a school-aged child and a toddler so you're not alone.

Is your DH off at the weekend? If so could he take them out so you can stay home and study?

I find it easier to get out of the house to study-less distractions! Why not go to a cafe/library one evening a week/ early weekend mornings?

Try to study in little chunks and multi-tasking, eg

• reading whilst cooking

-taking course books into the bath

Your DCs are at a good age for softplays. They tend to be quiet enough during the day during the week to study there while they play.

Can you afford to hire a cleaner to do housework to free up some of your time?

If yur older one goes to nursery can you study whilst your younger one is having a nap.

Write some study notes in a pocket sized notebook and take with you everywhere, like to the park.

Good luck, I've heard U212 is a very good course!

I've got a 6 y/o, and i find it very hard. Atm am getting up at 4.30/5am to study, and fitting it in there, and doing the rest while she is at school, as am too tired after dd is in bed, and dp wants attention then, so won't let me get on with it in the evening. Studying in the house/with the internet on is also v hard!

All good suggestions ta. Ahhh glad Im not alone.

Can't afford a cleaner

There is no way in the world I can get the 2.5 yr old to nap. He is too stubborn! If I try and study whilst DC1 is at nursery he literally trashes the place..

Maybe I really should try the getting up early thing.

Its so hard I thought id manage, but its a struggle...

Anyone else got any tips?? please?

Feel your pain. I'm studying for a BA in English. I'm a single mum with two primary age DDS plus a very demanding teo year old. I currently have 10 days to hand in a 10000 word writing portfolio. It's graft, but we'll all get there and it will be worth every bit of stress. (I hope)

two*

'It is a form of insanity'

I find having a note book to hand helps as I can jot ideas down. readding in small chunks and putting post its in relevant pags also helps or if paper copies writing on them at teh relevant points, and then using these to inform when writing also brak down essays to smaller chunks that can be easily written in shorter space of time, read whenever you can even in a sing song voice to dcs if necessary. I started studying when dd 2 went onto degree course when she was 4 then had ds in 2nd year completed BA and got job and now studying part time for MA whilst working and now with ds2 on the scene. the housework gets left if necessary although doingitcan give you thinking time, hence writing ideas down

"read whenever you can even in a sing song voice to dcs if necessary" gothicmama I LOVE that tip

Im loving my course, there are just enough hours in the day...

'It is a form of insanity'

RIGHT - Back to my essay, it will be a week late on tues Tutor is fine about it being late, but Im stressed out to the eyeballs..

Thank you for all the positive tips and stories... anymore anyone??

Sunchild head over to this thread

"Herewww.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/957860-Massive-quot-Oh-crap-I-must-do-my-homework-coursework"

Also always have a book and notebook in your handbag. The amount of times I have unexpectedly had 15 mins and been so annoyed that I couldn't use it for study. Have also thought of typing up notes, getting word to audio them and then sticking them on a CD so can use them in the car. Haven't done so yet though! Working in the car works well, alongside booking your children into activities where you cannot watch for H&S reasons. Instead of sitting around talking to the other mum's in the waiting room I go and sit in the car with the sunroof open (it gets v hot otherwise!) and pretend I am a carefree student with a sunroof!!