Sole Parents That Study Full Time

AussieDolphin on 03/09/2017 - 20:13
Last edited 03/09/2017 - 23:15 by 1 other user

Hello, I'm after tips to try manage things better in my home. I am a sole parent due to divorcing last year. I have 3 children and 1 child has special needs. I am approaching the end of my Bachelor of Education (Primary Teacher) degree. At the moment I am undertaking the last placement in my course. It is 10 weeks long. On plate I have 5 assignments, planning for school, regular appointments for my child with special needs to keep on top of and 2 days scheduled for court appearances. I like to keep a clean and tidy home and feed my kids healthy meals. I am struggling with exhaustion, low iron, low blood pressure and depression.

I try to eat a healthy diet and take vitamins and iron supplements daily. I don't have family where I live and the friends I do have work or study so I feel I can't ask for any help. My children are in shared care but even when they are with in my ex-husbands care the running around doesn't stop.

Not really sure if there a magic answer to my dilemma but I would appreciate any advice that could help make the next few months easier on myself and my family.

Thank you for reading.

Education & Work

Comments

  • airzone on 03/09/2017 - 23:29
    +2

    If your child is on the NDIS, you might be able to tap into some respite care. https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/carers Also, don't forget you can talk to the university to see if they can cut you some slack.

    • AussieDolphin on 04/09/2017 - 20:02

      Thank you. I believe the NDIS is not available in my area until mid 2018.

  • bluesky on 03/09/2017 - 23:51
    +5

    I don't have any good advice to give. But want to say I feel for your predicament. And hope you don't completely neglect yourself, given everything around you. I know it is easy to say, but hard to do. It is the homestretch now, please keep strong, and I wish you all the best.

  • spersephone on 04/09/2017 - 12:44
    +1

    I've been in a similar situation, but nowhere near as challenging as you. My husband is around, but very little help. You really need to try very hard to block out as much as possible and focus on finishing this course. Get a nice big calendar and put everything on it including your due dates, placement dates etc. I would also maybe try to join a Facebook page for your course, and/or one for teachers/pre-service teachers. There are many people in similar predicaments and they are often willing to share ideas to make life easier.

    I've come out the other end and am teaching casually. If you're looking for work, be sure to offer yourself to special schools too, it's really rewarding and you might find more opportunities there as fewer teaching graduates are interested in this side.

  • coffeed on 11/09/2017 - 01:32
    +1

    I know it feels like you can't ask your friends for support but you may not have a choice — and you might be surprised by how willing some may be to assist. Be prepared to let things go a bit at home cleaning-wise. Do what needs to be done but remember that the house will still be there once your placement is done. Try to do your shopping online so it's one less task that takes time out of your day.

    Best of luck. You can do this!

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join