Hi Dani

Studying is the most marvellous outlet , go for it !!!

Top tip be very orgainised and study when the children are otherwise occupied.

When I had load of anatomy to learn for an exam

I got into a routine during the term time of dropping the children at school and going straight to the library quiet room and studying there.

Learned quickly that my previous studying techniques of working into the night did not work anymore as I was too tierd

Talk to the education establishement tutors and so on and try to make the course work for you , maybe take 3 years to do a 2 year course and so on , you will be amazed if you ask how much people and institutions will bedn over to ehlp you

Good luck and keep at it

Kate

I have been on my own as a single dad since 2002. I started a degree whilst working in 2001, so right in the middle of it all, the courts, solicitors, upset etc. My children at the time were 5 and 10. What worked for me when i was struggling was to approach the tutors and tell them my situation and ask them for extensions and for them to be aware of my needs i.e there may be some days when i can't get in due to illness. I personally would not tell them from the outset that you are a single parent, because when you do approach them for help, and they are then made aware of your situation, they may have admiration and are more supportive of what you have been dealing with. Work out with your study guide/submission dates a plan, when to study, when to sit at the computer etc Need i say more! Get help from friends and family, what i did was to pay my childminder extra money once a fortnight and she would keep the children for an extra 3 hours for me and that gave me time to work on my own. Take time out also with the children and go on a train journey (use of family railcard) and take a book on the train to study and take notes from to plan your essay!
In the past 14 months i have just completed another course, again whilst working though seconded full time to the course and the same worked again. When your children are doing their homework on the table you sit with them as well, and tell them that you have to do yours as well, if not you may get into trouble. this also will encourage them to do theirs!
Good luck