Help needed!

**asos89** · 19-03-2009, 03:22 AM

Hi, I am going to start medical school in october of 2009. I have a son aged 21 months and I am married. I wanted to ask if anyone knows what financial help I am entitled to, i.e. can I get help with childcare? Also, has anyone else been in the same situation, as I feel its going to be really hard to leave him in nursery, I keep worrying will he adjust, will he miss me too much, will he feel neglected??? I know Im worrying for nothing, but it will be great t hear from people who have been through this.

Thanks in advance

**dotvicky** · 19-03-2009, 06:12 PM

I can't help you with the childcare aspects. Can you talk to anyone in student finance at the university? They should know all the ins and outs of that.

With regards to leaving your little one in nursery, firstly start looking *now* if you haven't already because depending on where you live, full-time nursery places can be very hard to come by. Secondly, perhaps to ease yourself (and your little one) into it, you can take a part time job between now and then and leave them in nursery for a few days a week first.

(I should add that I can only speak as a mum of a 21 month-old as well who went back to full-time work and not as someone at medical school... yet.)

Cheers
Vicky

**Frank's mum** · 20-03-2009, 03:03 AM

Help with childcare is means tested, you apply through the Student Loans Company. You could get up to 85% of the cost of his care if your residual income is low enough.
Depending on where you study there may be a subsidised nursery at the uni, so check this out.

As for him settling in, well it's prob harder for you than him - you're going to leave him in a room full of toys and other kids! My son's nursery had weaning-in period where he went for a half day for a couple of days then a full day.
Also I recommend starting him earlier than the beginning of term, he's likely to catch every bug going in the first month or so and you may end up having to keep him at home if he's ill so get that bit over before you start.

**lilacfairydust** · 21-03-2009, 12:06 AM

I started my first degree with a 1 yr old a single parent, as Franks mum said, you are leaving him in a room of toys, people to lavish him with constant attention!! Non of this, mums just running the hoover round or just washing up the bowl from lunch!! They LOVE nursery!! When they run in and don't give you a second look, you're the one that's upset!! It's just a balance of meking the most of your work time so you can enjoy constant snuggles and fun while you're at home.

Good luck, I'm starting on the BM5 this year - it's going to be fun!!

**asos89** · 21-03-2009, 02:40 PM

Thank you all for your advice. It was must appreciated. I do feel more confident to leave in in the nursery. I think its just some adjusting both of us will have to do when the academic year begins... but I feel it may be a quicker adaptation than I may think....