Any new (or those on the course already) parent students at King's?

[HShep]

Hi there. I had a baby a little over a year ago and deferred my place to King's as I knew it would just be too much with a wee one who refused to sleep through the night and all the upheaval that goes with having a child. The moment is nigh though to begin the course, and I am having major doubts as the moment approaches. The usual fare that most are grappling with I think: how will it work? will I lose out on precious child time? will my son lose out?

Would be nice to touch base with a fellow parent entering on the course at King's or anywhere else for that matter. I have yet to sort anything really as I'm burying my head in the sand a bit. I think my biggest concern is not spending time with my son. Up until now, I've been a stay at home mom and loved it (every fatiguing moment, well, almost.) I'm starting to pose questions now like: why? why am I doing this at my age (40+)? will the reward be greater than raising a child?

Ho hum, anyone grappling with these concerns, feel free to share. I would really love to hear from you.

HShep

[n.i]

Hi HShep,

I'm starting my second year at kings this year and I have a soon to be 3 year old. I did a similar thing to you where I took a year out to look after him before starting med school so when I started the course when he was 1 year and 9 months.

Firstly, I just want to say it is doable!
The first month of uni was the hardest for me being away from him but you get used to it once you all settle into a daily routine including the morning rush to get out of the door! I did miss him a lot but we did get evenings together and half day wednesdays and all weekend. Plus some days you start late or finish early, although my husband and I agreed to finish all uni work at 5pm regardless of when we finished that day so we could have quality family time in the evening.

I could type an essay to you right now about life as a parent so if you have any questions feel free to ask. There is a Facebook group called KCL parents that has been recently set up and I'd really encourage you to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/206869509422482/


Finally, I just want to finish on how supportive Kings are to parent students and that there are many students out there going through similar emotions so you're not alone x