Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Taking classes with a new baby and 2 year old.

I need opinions and fast. I am due Oct 16th and I already have a two year old. My husband is really pushing me to take two classes this semester so I can continue trying to finish my education. I want to finish but I really don't know that I can handle taking two classes this semester with a new baby coming half way through and having a toddler running around. The reason I would have to take two classes is to get financial aide. So I need opinions. Especially from Mom's with two babies. Do you think I will be able to handle it or am I crazy? Should I just put my foot down and say I am not going to take any classes to my husband, even if it causes conflict? By the way the only classes that are offered online that I can take are history and biology. Two pretty tough classes. Please give me your thoughts and advice. Classes start today!!

7 comments:

Chantel said...

I did it with a two year old and new baby. We wanted to have me finish my bachelor's degree using financial aid, so I had a strict deadline. I took the online classes route and found it to worked out well for me. I took history, my advanced English writing class (which for me was the class I was dreading more than anything), and an elective class. I am so glad I did it, and it wasn't as stressful as I thought it might be. The benefit now is knowing that I am done and don't need to worry about when I will finish my degree. It is totally worth it!

Tiffany said...

I haven't done that...but I would say do whatever you feel most comfortable with. I think that getting it out of the way sooner than later would be ideal..b/c life just gets crazier as your kids get older. Maybe you can get most of the work out of the way before the baby's born? I don't know. I'm probably not much help, but I would probably take the classes now, while the new one will still be just a blob...as opposed to later when he/she will want your attention more as he learns how to move and play. But if you don't think you can handle it...don't do it. Life's not worth the stress.

Liz said...

with my second one only four days old, I'm thinking "you're crazy to want to do this!" but then I read Tiffany and Chantel's advice and it's pretty good-besides the fact that Chantel's been there! Right now, the baby sleeps a lot which is nice to get a few things done but at the same time the 2 year old is wanting a lot of attention because of all the changes. At the same time, I worked and went to school at the same time and somehow handled that, so I think whatever you decide you can handle, you will. Besides, there's always the end in sight.

kristi said...

Personally, I don't think that I would do it. Do you really think that you will be able to put the commitment into the classes that is needed. If so, then do it. I just don't think that I could. Do you need your financial aid for the extra money or is going to be strictly to pay for your classes. I can see wanting the financial aid if you need the extra money to live. Am I making sense? I know that people are saying that at least right now your baby will sleep all the time, but that is not always the case. You will be really tired and have a toddler to take care of.

Stephanie said...

Obviously it's sensitive territory to tell you how to handle a conflict with your husband. But it sounds to me like your heart isn't in it, and you would only be doing it because your husband is pushing you. The other girls had great advice, but I think you need to be committed and really want to do it, otherwise you are going to hate life for the next few months! Whatever you decide can work, you just have to want it!

Jen L said...

I agree with Stephanie. If your hearts not in it than something is going to suffer... either your school work, your family or your mentail/emotional capacities. I haven't delivered in the middle of a semester, but recovery is hard enough with the possibility of Post-partum depression, sleepless nights and all the other complications. I obviously can't speak from experience, but if the only reason you are going is for the money, it seems that you could apply for financial aid again next semester and take a break. But do what is best... a semester is only 3 1/2 months!

The Schacher Family said...

Thank you to everyones comments. I thought they were very helpful. Against my better judgement I am taking two classes. I am hoping for the best. Thanks again everyone!