being a single parent student!!!!

screamager123

Stella66 wrote: »

Im pleased to know that lm not the only struggling single parent. I have 3 girls aged 11, 7 and 3. Im doing an M.Sc in Social Work. It was ok when l was at uni because l could work around the children's routine and picked them up after school. Now that lm on placement, it is proving very hard. The agency that l work for does shift work, sometimes up to 10.30pm and l also have to work on Saturday. I had to ask my ex partner to help with the children , but after a couple of weeks he started coming up with excuses. Im currently using a child minder who is costing me a fortune.
I am now seriously considering dropping off the course, but feel sad that l have worked hard to get to where l am now, and have to let it all go.

Stella don't quit! Talk to your Uni tutors/support staff they may be able to help. Your building a better future for your kids and you, it would be a shame. I hope you can work around it and good luck!

[Deleted User]

I agree with the above posters, don't quit, speak to your personal tutor. I'm due to go on placement in Sept andchildcare is a huge issue for me as I'm on my own, no ex no grandparents.

My uni gives you the opportunity to say if you have any issues which may affect your placement ie don't drive, caring responsibilites, childcare issues so I'm surprised they put you on a team where you have to work shifts.

The last thing your tutors will want is for you to drop out so please speak to them.

Let us know how you get on.

SL X

Stella66

Thank you very much all for your encouraging words. I have talked to my tutor and also my practice assessor, who both have been very sympathetic and are helping me sort things out.

[Deleted User]

That's great news, glad to hear you're gettin the support you need. Make the most of the services available to you.

SL X

elektra-2007

im currently doing a FE course, I have a 7 year old and im on income support, im really struggling because my petrol costs are £20 a week there is no public transport, and even dinners are costing a fortune, i try to take a pack up buts its warm and soggy by lunch time. My other problem is childcare. There is none where i live...rural...school dosent have any clubs so im tied to 9.30-2.30 only my course dosent finish til 4.30 so everyday i miss 2 hours which is really hard to catch up, as alot of it is pratical. I try to work during dinner but health and saftey reasons stop me. And i try to do what i can at home but again alot is pratical work. Its hard being out of the house everyday allday and I fall behind with housework ect. And it's an added pressure that my sons school is 15 miles away from college as i worry incase im late or break down getting back to get him. I dont have any family near me that can help or a partner its just the 2 of us. But im determined to keep it up and get some qualifications. By the time im ready to do a degree my son will just be starting secondary school so im hoping it will be easier.
Id say to any single parents out there....go for it ...it is hard but worth it, u get a sense of independance back and you will be achiving somthing and improving life for you and your children.

[Deleted User]

Wow....
I'm amazed byhow you do it all. I'm a single parent doing it alone (ie no family to help out) and may lose my after school care from September. I'm amazed you manage.

Your determination is an insiration to me, and I bet others in similar situations.

SL x