Tonight was the first night of my very last class. I’m working on a MA in instructional design and technology, and this is my final semester. (There’s also that minor detail called a thesis, but I’m sure they’ll be plenty of neurotic posts on that subject at a later date.) I’m in a class about human development that I think is going to be rather interesting. The professor has a “traditional” style, I’m told, and from what I can tell that consists of her lecturing and us taking notes. And blue book tests. Oh, how I love the blue book tests. That was the standard teaching style back in the olden days when I was in college, and it is a welcomed relief from the “Go outside and observe a tree for eight minutes” nonsense that I dealt with last semester. So anyway, I think it’s going to be a pretty good class.
However, it was when I got home that I remembered just how much fun “class night” is – I guess I blocked it out during the break. It’s after 7:30 by the time I get home from class, which means it’s almost immediately bedtime. I pretty much walk through the door on those nights and put Sam to bed – I hardly get to see him at all. After he’s down, it’s time to start the process with Kate, and most of the time, like tonight, that’s not easy. Because I just got home, she doesn’t want me to leave her room after stories and prayers the way I typically would, which leads to lots of tears and phrases like “Mommy I just miss you” and “Mommy I just want you,” which of course makes me feel quite guilty. Tonight I was extremely exhausted and just wanted to go to bed myself, and I didn’t have a lot of patience, which of course made the guilt even worse.
Jenny often reminds me that she was in kindergarten, like Kate, when her mom earned a master’s degree, and that she was not psychologically damaged and in fact hardly remembers it. I know this will be the case with Kate as well, and though it’s hard to have that perspective when she’s crying because she hasn’t seen me all day, I am trying to keep that in mind. And, it will be over soon, right?
One week down, 15 weeks to go.
Ok, my brilliant solution to this problem is – wait for it – just don’t come home on class nights til after bedtime!
* I should be a professional problem-solver*
Jenny used to hate it on the rare occasions that I went away on a trip for work. I always felt very guilty.However, as noted, she survived quite nicely.
You might make it part of your routine that on your class night she can stay up with you for 5 extra minutes or have one more story than usual or have a special treat that you eat together only on class night.
That class should be very interesting, especially since you are a mom now. I loved being in grad. school as a thirty-something. Your whole perspective is different as you read and study.
Then there’s the fact that she’ll grow up valuing hard work and an education “because her mom has a master’s” and you’ll realize that it’s all worth it.
YOU ROCK!!! Not only because you’re an awesome mom and friend (and cousin too I suppose!) but because you are getting your Masters!!! I couldn’t survive school long enough to get a degree, so I can’t even imagine a Masters. I know you will do awesome in class (and on your Thesis).
Oh, and I really like Jenny’s solution. Now if we could just get her to solve other worldly issues!!!
You are doing AWESOME!! Kate will one day thank you for going to school AND spending time with her…easier said then done but no worries! This is something that is benefiting EVERYONE in your family so like Jenny said, she will be fine! 🙂 Good Luck and I am proud of you, you inspire me to be a better student, person and Momma!
I’m with Jenny. When I was in school I didn’t get out of class until 10. Problem solved. Well, problems for their dad, but none for me. haha.
And isn’t your Aunt Diane the best?
One or BOTH of my parents were in college or graduate school from the time I was 4 til I graduated from high school. I survived and Kate will too. Do not feel guilty about doing something that’s good for you AND your family!