How do moms work full time, go to college, and still be a good mom? I have no help with housework, or anything

Answer 1

its all in time management.

Answer 2

time management is the key thing! I used to do that...it was hard at first but then you figure out a schedule. See if there is any way you can take your courses over the internet. I worked full time days came home before the kids, cleaned, started dinner, did laundry and finished up shortly after they got home. Helped with homework and their after school snack, finished dinner did the dishes. It sounds like a lot I know!! But then you have a couple of hours before they go to bed to play games, read books with them, watch a favorite tv show and tuck them into bed by 8pm. That's when I did college until 10. It's just an example. It's not being "super-mom" it's just getting things done that need to be done and knowing that it can't be left unfinished. try a schedule...you may have to change it a few times but eventually you will make it perfect for you. good luck!

Answer 3

That is quite a handful you've picked, my dear.

First, finances. Go to social services and apply for subsidized housing and any other assistance you qualify for, including subsidized day care. Day care subsidies are for when you are working, not in school. Apply for child support if you are not receiving it. Child support is retroactive to the day you file so do this now. It is something you do For your child, not Against the parent.

Second, time. Ask the college if there are online courses offered. Or find online courses. Make sure you are getting credit. Take this slow and perservere and you can finish. The goal is to finish, not finish now.

Third: children. Try to establish a routine of homework, down time, dinner, bath and bed. (guessing at ages) The family can come together for a meal, share and then begin down time for the night. Get everyone on board. Older kids can do quiet time in their rooms or watch that special program.

Do make a list of any family members or friends or resources that can help with the children. Big Brothers/Big Sisters can get the child into recreational activities with their peer group and give you some guilt-free down time. See if a teenage family member wants to spend some time with the kids. Have them go to the park and swing, take a walk, give the kids their baths, read to them. Ask grandma and aunts and uncles if they would include the kids in an afternoon. I have very little support, but there is an uncle who likes to take the kids fishing. God bless him. Ask these people if there is anything you can do for them.

Fourth: you. Yes, you count, too. Without you this whole thing won't fly. So take the time to take a bath, let your head clear and focus on the woman you are. Call your best friend. Put on your favorite CD. Take a few minutes of your day to just be you.

Fifth, and, sadly, last: Housework. perpetual housework. Try to get laundry done all at once. For the whole week. Laundry can nit pick your time so that the kids don't get your attention. Just do it one time each week.

Meals, cook double when you cook. One for tonight, one for day after tomorrow. Use paper plates if dishwashing is too much.

Even small children can pick up. Have them put everything on the floor onto the sofa. Then you can sort and have them put things in their place.

Speak to family members with respect. Respond to what they are telling you. Don't react. Respond. Respectfully and calmly. This will teach your children appropriate interaction, which is priceless in the long run.

You've chosen a long road, but not impossible. Aim for the end result. Evaluate what is priority and what needs to slide. Get enough rest, ask your doctor if you would benefit from a multi-vitamin. Keep up your immune system. Getting sick is going to make things a lot harder. Sing, and smile and laugh with your little ones. Remember that what you do is for them. Kids are resiliant creatures. They really just need to know how you love them. I commend you for your strength of character. You can do this. God bless and keep you all.

Answer 4

I work full time, am returning to finish my degree at university level and have a 12 yr old and a 15 mo old. I have borderline OCD and have a lot of trouble with asking for help. I use a lot of time management skills as well as awarding my son $10 a week for his help around the house. Now, when I say help I do mean it but I have to also add that sometimes his idea of help and my idea of clean differ. I have him clean his bathroom, his room, unload the dishwasher and help seperate the laundry once it's clean and dried. He has to put it away as well. I'm usually up by 6am to get him off to the bus stop. I use time managment skills more for me and my daughter then anything. I wash my hair the night before and let it air dry and curl it in the morning. Cuts down on the dry frizzies, the electricity and the time I take to blow dry thick wavy hair. I lay out clothes, lunches, gym bag for myself (I go on my lunch hour) and any errands I need to run during the week. Monday's are the worse, just keep that in mind but once I get into a groove and remind myself to stay there...I'm ok. I jokingly told my husband I'd ink him in some "love" time but that didn't go over well even as a joke so be careful. Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping help with hints as well. And for yourself: I would suggest Yahoo's "working & tired Mom's" group. We're a crafty bunch of birds and there may be mom's in your area that could help you out with suggestions and child care! Good luck-you're doing GREAT!!

Answer 5

I think its time management. I also think that just because you do this - you aren't a bad mom, maybe just weaker in the homemaking arena.

I also think that just because a Mom decides she wants to work fulltime or go to College she can forsake the housework. I feel this is the wife/mom's responsibility. She should get some help, but many times I see women go and do this without getting the "buy in" from the family.

Answer 6

it is really hard to do but I have been doing it for the past 3 years, steadily taking more classes at a time as my son has gotten older. This year in addition to working full-time and taking 12 credit hours at school, my son decided to play football so I had to rearrange my whole schedule around that as well. It is very hard to keep up with things and not to get stressed out over little things but try to remember what is really important. Let the laundry sit a couple extra days to spend some quality time with your kids. In the end it is going to matter more that you were a good mother and graduated college rather than that you had a neat and tidy house. If your kids are old enough, get them to join in cleaning house. My son is in middle school now so he gets an allowance every week but he has to keep up with certain things around the house to get it. Keep your chin up, you must be a strong person to already be doing all of what you are. Good luck with everything!

Answer 7

you have to have a routine. every day everyone does the same thing...everyone has to have a chore, a responsibility. even if you can't be with your children as much as you want, by educating yourself and also maintaining a job, you are giving them valuable lessons for life, that education and responsibility are important. And also that supporting the ones you love is important. I am a mother of 3 with a full time job, my husband is on call 24/7 so I can never depend on him. I have also decided to start school next fall. I understand how you feel! Just remember, it doesn't have to be perfect, and if everyone pitches in a little it will help!

Answer 8

A family needs to work together. If you're not getting any help it's time to have a family meeting and organize your life a little with the help from everyone that's old enough to help in any way. And remember being a good Mom doesn't mean having a spotless house. It means spending quality time with your child every chance you get. Good Luck.

Answer 9

Mom is god's gift to mankind.mom always try to make children happiest in the world.mom is unique personality that could understood by being a mom.They have a target to do best for the ir family.so with enthusiasm how can one be tiered?
mom and child is the best relationship in the world.so everythign is possible because mom is the god's gift.

Answer 10

'Something' has to give or else your gonna drive yourself nuts or make yourself sick and that will certainly be disasterous.
Unfortunately, your college classes need to be one of the lowest on the totem pole. It may take longer to finish, but taking too many credits at once can be too time consuming. Work is necessary and certainly, the kids require much attention.

Answer 11

Try a group effort. You were not meant to carry the whole load by yourself. Share out the work load. Your spouse is not helpless; that is just a myth. If you want to eat you have to work, or words to that effect.