What have I done?!?!

[Ponyboy]

Hi all!

I'm about to resume studying my BA (Library & Information Science) via distance ed. I have a 5mth old daughter and am really wondering how I'm going to cope with it all as she is quite demanding and the only time I get is when she's asleep which really isn't that often and not really for that long (she cat naps - 1/2 hr 2-3 times a day). Then goes to bed with us at night so really can't study once she's in bed.

Any suggestions? She doesn't seem able to occupy herself for long periods either!! Does this get better as they get older??

I am also completing a research scholarship - final report due mid next year. And a conference paper - due October this year. Yes I really thought I'd handle all of this when I committed to it last year!!! Eeek!!

[hayleylea]

well im not studying so i cant help you out there but you will find that as they get older they occupy themselves more..once they are 7-8 months you will probably notice a huge difference! Once she is rolling around etc she will occupy herself more. Goodluck with your study - sounds like you have alot on your plate! im sure you will be fine. :thumbsup:

[SJE]

You'll be right

Just be creative.

Do you have a swing - they are great for entertaining and settling them.

Just do one section at a time.

I am studying too and have a 6 month old.

If you are determined enough you can do it!:yes:

[Vespera]

Can you afford one days babysitting or child care per week? Might be worth looking at so one day a week you can just do your work.

Or maybe if you have a DP or DH he can keep the little one occupied for half a day on the weekend?

[mum23girls]

Just have to say, Sorry Sharon, I put a thread up with the same title as yours. But I am thinking the same as you!!!!!!!

I would probably suggest the same as Vespera, even a family day carer for half a day a week may help?

Good luck with your studies!

[book_mum]

Hi there,

I have a 4 year old and 3 year old and have been trying to get through the BA Info Science for the last two years! It is really hard when they are so little but easy in other ways.......I can only study AWAY from the house, as I am so distracted by children and a husband who I haven't seen all day.

If you have support or child care then its much easier. Now that my little people are at preschool two days a week, I am able to spend the time at the library and get 5 hours solid in. Before that we didnt have any childcare and could not afford it anyway, so I was hamstrung as to how much I could get done.

Luckily some libraries are open until about 9 or 10 in the city so I would straggle in and have to be kicked out at closing, but it was almost like going to work so I got a lot done. I haven't been able to achieve what I wanted in the time I wanted it but looking back, they are so little for such a fleeting time and I don't regret putting the brakes on to savour it. My only regret is I didn't do it before they were born !

Hope your studies are going well and your little one is sleeping better...

M

[jessgray]

a play pen with toys or a swing might work:)

[anna's mum]

I have only just recently begun studying with dd in the house & she is now 3 1/2. The only way I could previously get any work done was to arrange child-care during the week (with relatives & centre) and my hubby takes her out for a whole afternoon one day on the weekend. I have to treat it like a job, or nothing gets done!
Saying that, I have a friend who has always worked from home with dd & now parks her in front of the tv for five hours at a time :rolleyes:

[charli06]

wel im doing master of social science health policy and planning, im 22yrs old and my lil boy is just 2. does it get easier you ask, NO WAY! but.... u find different coping mechansims. i found indoor play centres a real treat, even lil bubs can play, they have powerpoints for laptops, if u can afford it try to get unwired internet, u will be amazed how many mums and dads are studying while kids run a muck. ive made a few friends too. there are play centres in deer park, essendon and hawthorn that i know of. for a cheaper option, why not try the local library, they can be great, ure bub seems little, so it may be an option. Some libraries are really ****, but the one in moonee ponds has a little play area so lil man runs around and plays with toys from the toy library, while i read or study. try to pick a time when it wont be busy. goodluck and good on you for taking up study:thumbsup: