I got accepted to a program I really want but don't want to leave my kids: Advice?

Go for it! If you wait 1.5 years for the next enrollment, you will wish you have started before. It’s amazing you have the help of someone you really trust. Some mommies have to depend on daycares wishing to be in your shoes, having supportive people while you will be doing what you always wanted to do. Take advantage and do it :two_hearts:

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At that age they have no concept of time so they will not know the difference in how long that you’re gone. Better to do it now than wait till they’re older.

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Go to the program. Little ones are so resilient. At first it will be hard. They will cry you might cry, BUT it will become the new normal. I was a stay at home mom for 6 years with my first two, and 1 year with my third. I found the younger one adjusted to it so much faster!

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Go to the program ASAP! Babies won’t remember their mom being away for school. It’s much more difficult when they’re a little older and they realize your taking “forever” to come home. I finished my Bachelors when my son was tiny and then finished my double masters years later when he was 6-8. He hated when I was gone so I switched from on campus to online, but it was still upsetting to him for me to spend so much time with my homework and with my job before school. So now I tell people if you want to go to school, go, and go asap!!!

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I have 3 kids. I was a stay at home mom with my oldest until he was about 3 and it was REALLY hard and i only literally worked across the street from home. With my youngest i was working when i had him and was lucky enough to have paid maternity leave but i had to go back to work when he was just a couple months old. While it was hard and i obviously missed all my babies terribly, i think it was harder to leave them when they were older and understood more because they could verbalize they didnt want me to go. If this will better your situation for you and your babies, i say go for it. But ultimately your mama instinct will let you know what the right choice is for you and your family.

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I agree with Kayla Brady. The longer you wait the harder it will be. There will be anxiety for everyone, but that can be handled and will go away. Regret on the other hand, that’s something that last forever

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Honestly you’ll always feel like this with your kids. If you have good family to watch them, they will be in good hands. It’s going to be hard at first but you’ll get use to it. Things are gonna come up… You just deal with them when they do. Here’s a chance for you to do what you want to do. If it’s a positive for your family I say do it. You can always do it and quit if it doesn’t work out :grin:

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Sometimes we have to be selfish and do what’s best for ourselves, you might not be able to do it next year or the same feelings will come back. I say take the opportunity and better yourself so they can have a good life too

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It’s OK mama bear! kids are resilient and now is a perfect time for them to socialize and start to trust other adults. They have each other which is great! And you need to find yourself again… you are more than just a mom! I went through this going to college when my child was just barely 3 and worked on top of it… best time is now when everything is closed down, so when you are finished, there will be a bunch of people hiring!

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I think you must do it. Yes the kids and you will miss eachother . It will get easier as you go along. I did not follow my dreams and I so regret it ! Your kids will grow up and not need you so much and you will then have something to fulfill your empty nest.

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It will be okay. They will adjust and so will you. If it’s any consolation, when my now 26 year old son was just 2 weeks old, I had no other choice but to return to work. I handed him over to the babysitter at TWO WEEKS. He’s a fine, well adjusted, intelligent productive member of society that loves his mom. I wish you all the best of luck. Breathe deep, and trust yourself.

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If you’d feel better staying home, stay home, a year and a half isn’t a really long time in the long run, and they’ll only be babies once.

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These fears are totally normal. It gets easier over time. If they’re with someone you trust, it will all be okay. You can always ask for picture updates and call to check in.

Do it now, it’ll be so much harder once they are in school and have all that stuff to worry about.
I did it, sure I cried daily but I’m glad I did it now

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Honestly I understand your situation. I was faced with thesame situation. I also have a set of twin girls that are 30 months old now, they were less than 2 years when I got into the LPN program. I could only leave them with my husband and also my mother in law came to help. I had the same feeling too and still have it. You should either face it or leave it. I am so worried now about my children, I also have a 5year old son especially when I start working. I also feel that they wont understand why I am not with them at this stage of their lives, at times, this thought stresses me out. I tell you once you start, it will get easier.

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I would do it. I got into my ideal program but turned it down to stay with my kids. I enjoyed being with my kids but if I could go back and do it differently, I would.

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It’s better to be away while they are little. In a year and a half, you can be done with your program and begin working in the field you love OR you can not have started over something your kids are too young to remember. Your family will take great care of them.

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Your opportunity could be there at a later date, your children will grow up so fast & you will miss an awful lot of it. I lost one of mine at ten years & I am so thankful that I didn’t miss a minute of him. I still was able to get the job I always wanted & opened my own business. I got my dream & my boys also. Be patient, you can have both. God bless.

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The longer you wait the harder it will be. Whats going ro change in a year and a half? They will still be home full time. My son is 3 and I’ve been home since a week before he was born. I seen all his firsts so between 2 and 5 would be my perfect time to go back to school, or when they go to school and won’t be home all the time anyways.

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My son just turned two. I would wait.

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Go, you will have time for them also and they will always be there for you. You want to show them what we are capable of and not backdown because of them. It will be good for you and them. You won’t regret. I wish I could have done that when my oldest was younger and just gotten it done. I worked a million times harder to get where I am at now.

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They are all Valid concerns. But while they are young this is the best time for you to pursue something that is going to make you happy. As long as you trust your sitter your children will be fine.

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I would do it now. Get it over with while they are young. Your anxious feeling will go away sooner than later.

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Personally I would not want some body else to care for my children mon/fri 6am to 6pm Any way that’s me , you say you have been given the option by hubby and you can defer , others are saying it will be harder when they are in school but I say great time they will be that bit older and your sister or who ever won’t will only have to care for them a shorter period because I feel that’s a huge ask of a family member to care for two year old twins 12 hours a day mon to fri .

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1st congratulations :tada:. Consider yourself lucky. I’m sure it’s hard mixed emotions but you may not be so blessed to have this opportunity again. So much uncertainty. The longer you wait the harder it maybe. Whatever you decide best of luck! You only live once.

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your babys will be there when u return home

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If this was a concern, y did u apply?

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Start the program. Trust your care giver to be able to handle the different situations. That “might” happen

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Ur kids is already 2 years old… can walk and make noise already… so not as fragile as compare to when they are newborn… it’s ur sister who take care of them too… not jus any babysitter… go for the course it will provide better future for the whole family…

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I would urge you tot hunk about the long term. I know it’s hard to leave them but this could be a future for you and them. They will grow up knowing what an amazing woman you are. Good luck :heart:

What’s the difference you going to school or getting a 9 to 5 job you would still be away from your kids. In my eyes it is a win win.

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I was a SAHM for ten years… raised 2 boys and then found a career. Fast forward 2 years after being an empty nester… we got pregnant :flushed: I had to go back to work when my new little one was 5 months old. I had such anxiety over it and almost made myself sick. He is now 2 1/2 and we have worked out a system to spend time together when we are home and he doesn’t understand time so he just thinks I am gone for “a bit” and then “mama’s home”. On my days off we play and do stuff and when he is napping I do my stuff. It will be ok… you can do this.:blush:

I say do it! Your kids will be ok and it’s not horrible hours you’re away. You’ll still be home with them every night like a regular job. I worked as a chef for years. My kids are ok with it but I made the decision now that I am in a position take a pay cut to leave the business. I know your kids will be ok but you have to go with your heart

Honestly, I wish I would have chosen to go to school when my oldest was younger.

At 2, yes they will notice but honestly they will manage.

As they get older, they remember more and will have more of the ability to think things throughly with the ability of having a better concept of time and it will effect them more.

My youngest (2.5 yo) just always gets excited to see me even with the long hours. My oldest (7.5 yo) will bring up a lot more about how I was gone so long and so on.

I remember more of my mom working crazy hours while going to school for nursing when I was 5 to 7 than I remember my dad being gone for weeks at a time being a truck driver when I was a toddler.

Also, maybe ask your sister to take a first aid class for certification (offer to pay for it!) let her know you’re just being a worrier and just want a bit of reassurance.

I lucked out and my mom and sister are the ones who watch my kids, they both have been nurses for over a decade minimum, so it’s peace of mind for sure!

Go for it! My daughter started EMT class when her second. Child was 6 weeks… then onto Paramedic …and now has 3 children …:slightly_smiling_face: Their life is busy but their little family doesn’t want for anything!!:slight_smile:

Go for it, the life I am able to give my kids post college is much better than before, and I never have to miss anything now, but it did bother my 6 year old that I had so much homework to do, do it early if you have help and don’t look back!

Idk it’s hard, I’m having to make a similar decision, but at the end of it, you could have an amazing career… trust me it doesn’t happen for everyone and you’re luck enough to have someone watch your kids… but make sure your choice isn’t going to bite you in the ass. Weigh pros and cons

I think its just going back to work jitters! Its hard to get back into after being home with the kids for so long… i think alot of mamas get that feeling :purple_heart: I say go for it! The babies will be ok !

I was in the same position and it was hard for me. I made the most of my time at home. And now that I am working and graduated I appreciate them even more. I love coming home to them!

I tried working during the day & going to school at night when my boys were 2 & 3. It was awful. I couldn’t do it after about 8 months. I was so tired and stressed out by the time I got home then I had to face all the housework and the kids. It made me sad to have my babies in daycare, then with a family member, then when I did get home late (after 10pm) I was grumpy and exhausted. I quit working and just finished school. When I finished I tried working full time in the field I went to school for. Unfortunately due to inexperience is did not pay well enough. 99% of my paycheck went to pay for daycare. We finally decided that I needed to be home with the kids. So it’s been 6+years since I’ve had a job. I love being home. I love homeschooling my boys. I have no plans to return to a regular job til our boys are grown.

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Honestly, I understand why you want it. But will you be able to cope with them in the evenings when your assignment is due? How about the weekends?kids go through different stages. There will be times when they are clingy, not sleeping, etc.

It’s normal to feel that way. Take it from me, take care of you! They will be fine! Do this now while they are smaller. That way, when they get older and they have things for you to go to, that they will remember, then you will be grateful you did.

Every crossroads is hard. But the mere fact that you are worrying about what is best shows you are a good mother. And taking care of yourself is all part of continuing to be a good mother. Take the course. You’ve lined up good care for the kiddos.

I know the feeling. I went to work when my daughter was 2 months old. In the beginning I freaked out with all the what if’s but as every day turned out good and she was great when I got home it was easier. Since you kids are 2 call when you get a break to hear their voices and tell them you love them. After a while it will be normal. Deep breath. You are doing good for you and your kids and it’s your sister watching them not a stranger so that is also a great thing. You can do this.:+1:t2:

you are in a tough spot. A lot of us Moms have had to decide.At first my husband and I traded. he worked days and I worked nights. And I was gradually eased into leaving him. BUt I missed him so much. I can understand wanting/ needing to be with them. Only you know how you will feel. Maybe try a week and see how it goes?? prayers for you

You should do it. They are little and won’t remember their day-to-day life at this age. Your sister will surely do a good job. Just spend as much as you can with them in the evenings or on weekends.

You have dedicated the first 2 years to your babies, very important years. I didnt want to go to work full time when my 3 were little. My youngest was 6 months old. I did so we could buy a house for our children. Yes, I missed them, it was hard but we settled into a routine and then it was smooth sailing. You should go for it

Any and all of those things can happen whether you’re there or not mama. Will this better your family as a whole? Will this make you feel better about yourself as a wife and mother? Just really think about how this will be good for your family not just a negative thing you think will happen.

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Do the program… It only get harder as they get older… And chances are… You won’t do it later. Kids will be fine…first week or so will be a little rough.but the will adapt…as will you.

Mama of twins and a single here, though my boys are turning 41 in a few months. I stayed home out of necessity as the cost of a sitter would be more than I would’ve made. No regrets. Went to college when boys were 3 and my daughter was 7, hubby was going to a tech school a few hours away and only home on weekends. It was hard but I did it, and made the deans list. I did my homework when my daughter did hers, bookends at the table. I wish I had finished. Some colleges, like mine, have a built in day care and you can keep an eye on them. I’d try it for the first semester and decide if this is right for you at this time. You might surprise yourself. Good luck

Go for it! I regret turning down an incredible opportunity when my kids were young!

Do it. You future self will thank you! As a mom of 4 who has severe anxiety, works and attend school, I’m always proud when I push through the fear, anxiety and mom guilt. Feelings, although they are overwhelming, are only temporary. Trust in your support system and follow your dreams. Your babies will be ok. The time will past anyway and it’s better to not have that regret on your shoulders. :heart:

If you have been accepted already, go. If you don’t go now, you’ll never do it, there will always be something to be you’ll “need” to for the kids; they need your help with homework, that first crush gone bad…
Right now is the best time to go, you should be home for dinner each night, even if you don’t make it…( crockpots are the best)… and you’ll be home to give them their baths and good night kisses while tucking them into bed. Those are the times your children are going to remember.

Ok you need to charge your batteries (mom of 4) I would go I assure you they arent going to be lost without you or forget you the first week if schedule change may be ruff but I promise it will be okay.

I think that’s totally normal for mom’s who go back to work at any point! I think you should go ahead and do it. I promise it gets easier!

I am Like that with all my kids. My oldest was a baby and I was a single parent going to school taking care of him and working. And we hardly got to see each other I missed sooo much! And I regret it sooo much! But those are MY own fears my son obviously doesn’t remember that time. And he has no spermatozoon anxiety he is not afraid to go anywhere or do anything. However he can not handle his emotions.
And my girls who I am a sahm too they have anxiety separation but are amazing at telling me I’m feeling a little sad, scared,angry at or with X Y and Z.
It’s one of those things if you are with them there are some things they will exceed at and some things they will not and the same is true for if you are gone.
It’s ultimately your decision and your husbands. Do whatever is best for you. And your family.

This is a really personal decision, IMO. You really need to think about what you’d regret more, and weigh the pros and cons of both. I’ve been a working mom full time since my son was 10 weeks gold, but I chose to get established and finish law school before I started working. In your case, if you choose your family first you can always go back to school and won’t be nearly as far behind as I would’ve been. Either way remind yourself that the fact this is even a difficult choice for you makes you a wonderful mother!

As another mom who waited…do it now while they are young! Believe me, your sacrifice will be worth it! And honestly, my kids needs more of my attention now as teens than they did when they were toddlers. Having someone you trust to be there is a blessing, take advantage of your opportunity!

I feel we have to be happy first as a mother to keep our kids happy in long run. We mothers will always have the guilt factor but trust me we should never regret later for things we didn’t do n sacrificed. I think u should go for it it’s just matter of time. An independent strong mother can guide n raise independent strong children. Go for it! :clap:t2::clap:t2::+1:t2::+1:t2:

These years of them being little are SO fleeting…I say stay home the next 18 months and enjoy them. School will always be there…your babies won’t …hugs…hard decisions to make

Both sides will adjust. If not just try it for a few months. Can you go back to being a sahm after if its to much?

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I think if these classes are going to help u advance and provide better for your family, then go for it. We all have these feelings at some point. Maybe try video chats a few times during the day? That might calm you down.

It’s literally the first step any mom that leaves the home. The anxiety will pass with time but only if you let it

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Do it now honey! I went to nursing school 25 years ago and my oldest was 3 months old. It broke my heart but that degree came in handy when I was a single mom with two babies.

My daughter is turning 4 and I still have anxiety about returning to work I know she will be fine but I don’t think I’ll be fine. I would miss her way too much. Nobody can answer this for you it’s what is in your heart.

I would not go. The early years of a child’s life are precious. If you take on student loan debt, you will be FORCED to work to repay the loans. Let me guess - teacher certification program?

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You are ridiculously lucky that you have the ability to go to school. If i were you i would take the opportunity in a heartbeat.

I gave birth to two babies WHILE in college. They were 4 and 2.5 when I finished and im so glad I went then. It would’ve been harder to juggle school aged kids. I also worked full time. You are probably anxious because it’s a big commitment and new but do it anyway.

Breathe. Your sister will take great care for your babies. It’s so sweet that your sister has offered to help you and your family succeed :heart: you can do it! It will be tough but the hugs you’ll get when you come home…ohmigod the best.

I went back to school when my boys 2, 4, and 6. Best decision I ever made! I had the “what if” syndrome as well. ( I had an asthmatic child, the 4 yr old) and yes it was hard and I was raising my stepdaughters too. (their dad had custody but was working 55-60 hrs a week. There was a total of 6 kids at home! I was responsible for all after school activities, sports schedules, dr appts for all of us, and worked on campus 20-25 hrs a week. You never know what you can do until you try it. No, it was not easy. I felt like there were never enough hours in a day. But it was well worth it in the end. I’m still doing my career and my last child just graduated a yr ago.

I get the anxiety but the what ifs are out of your control…if this is something you really want, I think you should pursue that. You’ll be a better parent and also show them that they can do whatever they want and be who they want to be guided by their fabulous Mom that set such a fine example…go for it!!!:cocktail::heart::heart:

I only had three months off with my set of twins and four-year-old. If I had the opportunity to stay home longer I would in a heartbeat, they’re only little once unless you’re financially unstable and needs the program now then just savor every moment because it goes too fast especially when it’s twins you already feel like you don’t have enough time for each. I understand your dilemma make what choice is best for you but they grow up way too fast. If you have the opportunity to start at a later date I would choose that you want don’t want to miss this time in their life. On another note they will be absolutely fine I promise you that boo-boos come and go but they’ll adjust just like you will. If you choose that route.

I myself would wait. Enjoy them babies. They grow up to fast. By time you are gone 12 hours a day you will be exhausted. Wait a year and half. You can put them in a 9-12 pre K and then your sister can watch them til you get home. They will be older and a little easier. That school will be there but them babies won’t.

You can do this, i started back to school, when my youngest was 2. It was hard, but worth it

Stay home with them. You will be more likely to say"I wish I had spent more time with my children when they were babies" than wishing you had started your career sooner. They are only little for a short time. I waited until my girls were 10 and 12 before I started Nursing School.

Honey I am Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma Go you won’t regret it. My Family always depended on each other to keep each other’s kids. They were perfectly fine.

Do it, the kids will be fine, now is a much better idea. Think how happy you will be when you have achieved it. We are always there for our kids but sometimes you have to think about what you want too.

I’m sorry but if it were me, I would stay with them as long as I could. I always waited until they started school.

Girl what if the world ends tonight? Go for your dream. You’re being a good mother by trying to better your life which enriches theirs. I work a lot unfortunately to make ends meet and I only get to see my kids on my 2 days off. It hurts like hell because I want to see them more but they have a better life than what it would be if I wasn’t

If you can afford to stay at home, do. You can attend a program later, one more year should do it or even preschool years

I don’t know you but I’ve been a daycare provider for 34 years, I’ve always said children first if you’re able and can afford it to stay home :grinning:stay home with your children because when you look back you can’t change things

I gave up nursing school during my divorce because their father was not stepping up. I needed to do that for them at the time, but cut to five years later I have no degree. I am not doing what I wanted to be doing…all my friends from the program are doing amazing. My kids are all in school, and I can’t make a good living…I wish I kept at it

This is the best time. Soon they will be old enough to go to preschool and that should help too. The older they get, the more they need you .

No matter what age you are going to miss things. They are too young to remember now and the sacrifice will hopefully provide a better future for your family and you will have plenty of time to make memories that you will all remember. I went full time when mine were middle and high school… Wished I had gone earlier!!

They will take it hard at first but get past it and enjoy it. In the future when they look back at how happy you were because you did it they’ll be proud and won’t remember the fact that they stayed with someone else while you went to school.

Do this because ultimately when you finish you will be able to give them the better life they deserve. And you will show them hard work, determination and commitment. Push back your fears. The gains far out way the short term losses. And having your sister there to watch them is awesome. Kids are resilient. And they will be ok!

It sounds like you have a great support team backing you up. If not then its a different story. If your husband is willing to put in the work with you as yall both come home from a long day and get things done as a team then already youre 10 steps ahead than most. Also as I went to work and school I had to rely on a daycare. I hated it I already had anxiety about leaving my babies :cry::tired_face: BUT! If you have your sister and you can trust her plus call her during the day on breaks to check up on them girl you’re another 10 steps ahead than most. I say Go!!! Now!! Don’t put off things because of anxiety. Anxiety is a horrible friend who just doesn’t go away. If youre religious I ask you pray on it. Do whats right for you but don’t let fear stop you. Like I said, sounds like you have a great team backing you up and thats a lot more than most can ask for. Good Luck! You’ll do great.

I’ve worked 40+ hours a week with all 3 of my children. They started in daycare at 12 WEEKS! Now 12, 8 & 4. all are happy, smart PEEFECT. I believe if it’s something you’ve always wanted GO FOR IT NOW. I always wanted to GO back to school but never had the chance to yet. I’m hoping in the next 2 years I can :crossed_fingers:
And with anxiety
…thats a mother’s worry. I worry about those things EVERYDAY.

Just do it. Don’t wait on things because of the kids. You still have to do you. They will adjust and be fine.

They are only young once. You can always go back to school later but you can’t be a stay at home mommy to your little ones later. I assume once you finish school, you will be working and still be away from them. Enjoy being with them NOW while you can

I went back to work after my twins were born and then I had a third the next year. (A gift from God. On birth control). Again I went back to work. I was a happy and content person who enjoyed her job and enjoyed her family. Their experience with others will make them more confident and we’ll rounded. My boys are now 32,32 and 31. They are strong, successful, loving adults. As parents we need to be sure that we have balance in our lives.

Breathe - and think of you do this what can you do for them and for their futures - I know it’s awful I was there - mine is medically fragile so it was even more so - today he is 11 - thriving - super bright and so independent

12 hours a day? That’s a very long day. But I agree with the others that say go for it! Everyone will adjust.

Do it… Rather than spend a life time thinking of what ifs… Its normal to be anxious, we are after all, mothers.

My best friend started working as a paralegal when my goddaughter was about the same age. She was between daycare and me and she turned out great. She and her mom are super close, she has no abandonment issues or anything. I can confidently say it did not have any adverse effects on her. She’s 21 now and an RN with a stable relationship and many close friendships. She cried occasionally at the start but after a couple of months she was a happy, well-adjusted kid that looked forward to whoever she was with. She also learned about hard work and the importance of having a good work ethic as well as how wonderful it is to work toward your goals.

I would between the issues with covid and the fact they are so young you don’t want to miss their first mile stones

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Do what you gotta do! You are only young once. Every year that you wait, you’re a year older. Get it done and be home with them later.

Wait! When they’re 3 1/2 they’ll be better equipped for preschool. It’s so hard I know… I’ve been exactly where you are a couple of times.

First off, congratulations! That’s wonderful. You should be proud of yourself. That’s an accomplishment. Second, you do what is right for you, your family. You can have all the best well intentioned advice but none of that matters. Only you can decide. Only you know what the real deal is. Only you know what you can and can not do or handle. Whether you get the okay or not from others, only you will live with the results. Not anyone but you and your family. Do what you think is best and go from there. Good luck to you and your family. With this opportunity or not. You are doing a great job.

Sounds like you have a lot of support now, which you may not have later. I’d go now while they’re still young.