Question for single moms?

Question

I am a single mom of 3. I have a 2, 3 and 8 year old. I am really stuck because if I work it barely covers daycare. I have no college degree and I want to be able to provide for my kids. I get very little child support despite fighting tooth and nail through court for it. I am beginning to think that college may be the only way to make more money. Are there any single moms out there that went to college with 3 or more very young children?

For those of you with rude comments. I was married for 9 years during which my 3 children were born. Then, my husband decided to leave me for someone else.

Answer 1

YES, YOU CAN DO IT!

Intelligent people know that alot of single moms followed the traditional route of getting married, then having children. Ignore the idiots. None of us planned on our husbands to be and do what they did.

I got a cheap computor for $100. Then I went to the local Junior College and looked into the programs available and picked one that would suited me.

Do your FAFSA... at the J.C. I go to they practically fill out for you.

You are eligible for grants, etc.. even if your credit has been shot because of the divorce. Some people told me I wouldn't be able to get loans because of that... not true.

A word of advice, if you're not real good at math or science, take those at the school, not online.

Explain to your children what getting an education will mean to all of you as a family. Let the 8 year old take on more responsibility and do your homework at the same time, or compare grades (if you're doing good!!).

Let anyone who offers to help, HELP.

The parents/teachers at my child's school have let him spend the night when I've had to take a class in the evening. PEOPLE WILL HELP IF THEY KNOW YOU NEED IT.

It's ok to eat eggs for dinner and have bologna/pj sandwiches. It's ok to have a messy house. You'll have to let some things go, because you can't do it all. Give yourself permission.

Get your family involved. Rotate favors, you don't want one/two people to always be your only fall backs, it can wear them out.

Scale down. I have an old used car that gets me where I'm going. Low insurance and no payments. Plus now no one wants me to drive, because they don't want to be seen in an old beat up car. It's a short term sacrifice I decided to make for the long term.

You go girl! You can and will do it. If you need help wander down to the school and someone will take you under their wings. People are wonderful and want to help.

Try to work at the school, it will help lower the cost of tuition.

I started back last semester and I see light at the end of what was a long dark tunnel.

I had almost graduated from a 4 year college, so if you have too many credit hours for a J.C., just be prepared to write why you didn't finish and blah, blah, blah... it'll work out. I became disabled and couldn't go into my chosen field anymore.

YOU WILL MAKE IT. YOU WILL SURVIVE. JUST WHEN YOU THINK THINGS AREN'T GOING TO WORK OUT, SOME "MIRACLE" WILL BE SENT YOUR WAY.....

Answer 2

Ok I only have one child but I am just going back to school so I know what you're going through somewhat.
I've lucked out because I have a cousin who's watching my daughter so I can go to school at night. I work during the day and the school has a daycare that gives students a pretty nice discount so I'm not spending a huge fortune. Maybe you should see if any of your friends or family could help you out. These days a college degree doesn't guarantee you'll be making the money you want. However if you'll be doing something you love you might not care as much. Just give it a lot of thought and pray to whatever higher power you pray to for guidance.

Answer 3

You shouldn't have to justify to anyone, esp. fools on here, as to why you are a single mom. I am a single mom and I have been going to college for the last 5 years. I am now working on my Masters degree. You can get loans and grants, the first thing you need to do is fill out a FAFSA. I believe the website is www.fafsa.ed.gov. When I was an undergraduate I worked 50 hrs a week, but now I just substitute teach as many days as I feel I can and still do well in school. I do take out more loans than I need to get me through the semester without working. Just make sure you don't exceed the limits for undergraduate loans before you finish. I finished in four years so I didn't have to worry. The main thing is finding time to do your homework, take care of your kids, and sleep. I learned to go on very little sleep, but I felt that it was worth it because I was bettering myself and finished with a 3.5 GPA. So, do the best you can and don't pay attention to the jerks who question why you are a single mom. My suggestion is to go straight to the fafsa web site, apply to a school that is close and get started right away. You can do it.

Answer 4

I only have one child but I think you can do it. First of all do you get help with the childcare costs? I'm not sure where you live but there are programs to help with that. Also you could check some schools will allow you to take courses over the internet. You could also explore some other options like mortgage specialist or real estate. You don't need a college degree and they will train you. Good luck with the child support I've been fighting for 9 yrs and I'm back to square one now. I'm sure you can make whatever you decide work.

Answer 5

I am also a single mom of 3, I work full time and go to college 2 evenings a week. Some classes also have online programs that you can do from home. It is very difficult but in the long run I know that it will be better for my children and my self. Good luck and keep your head up!!

To those who are asking about birth control...I was married and most of the time when your married you plan to have children. What I didnt plan on was my EX husband cheating on me. Not all single moms are women who run around sleeping with everyone they see, so please dont be so quick to judge us all!!!!! THANKS

Answer 6

I was a single mom with only 1 child but I had to wotk full time and go to college maybe 2 nights a week. I had a wonderful support system in that my parents agreed to "babysit" while I went to college. It took me awhile but I finally graduated with my bachelors degree. It wasn't easy, but it can be done. Also see if you can find a neighbor or friend who would keep your children for a lesser price than day care.

Answer 7

Well, I was divorced with a 2 and 3 year old. My mom let me move back into her home. She helped me with my children and I did most of the housework and cooking for her. I qualified for a Pell grant and went to nursing school. My mom and dad helped me with the kids until I graduated. I've been able to stand on my own 2 feet ever since. I don't know how I could have done it without their help. You don't mention any family. I hope you have someone who can help you get on your feet.

Answer 8

Ok this situation doesn't apply to me, but let me say this...

If you are a non-traditional student, you can get a non-traditional student scholarship. At my school that's anyone who starts school after the age of 25 I think. Also you can take out student loans. You can take out a loan for more than the amount you need for school and that can help you cover your living expenses. Also most colleges offer daycare facilities at the school that are less expensive than regular daycare.

You can do it!!!

Answer 9

I make earrings on the side! It is fun! Just something that seemed fun to do! Nobody told me to, just that little voice inside me that told me to d this! What are you good at or enjoy doing? I sell my earrings on the side and in less than 1 year I have so many people who want to but them! I love jewelry! Love the bling! Find your thing! Three kiddo's sounds like you have allot of tolerance! Start from there! God bless!

Answer 10

ferociou… Please don't start reproducing, for the sake of my children there's enough men like you in this world.

It's tough but I did some online stuff to get my foot in the door and as mentioned there are a lot of colleges with daycare in them plus you should look into assistance for daycare if they dont.