That would be great...

great description! [2008-11-13]
That about sums it up! The problem is putting that into words that won't offend anyone. I have found that if I forward them the school website (from where I attended) often times that is enough to shut them up once they see what is required.

That would be great... [2008-01-30]
I don't know what has gotten into him lately. He is usually my good sleeper. 2 nights now he has woken up and just wanted to play. Always 2 or 3 a.m. Last night I let him just play in his crib until his noises got so loud I was afraid he would wake up his older brother who is only 2 1/2 himself. Jenn

I'll be watching. It is a great show [2007-10-24]
to have DVR for, because I for one don't want to hear all the talk part once the competition gets serious. Just let them sing because I don't need to hear about their home lives. It's about the performances for me. Is that so wrong? LOL.

Thanks for replying. Great to hear from [2007-10-22]
.

Great! I hope it goes well! Good luck! nm [2007-08-09]
nm

Career Step from what I hear is another great online school as well... [2007-05-07]
I also agree with the other poster about babies sleeping so much the first few months that you could definitely get some studying done then, too, but remember to take care of yourself as well and try to fit in some rest. As you know, having a baby can really take a toll on the ole' body! I also found working around a baby's schedule was much easier than working around a preschooler which I am currently doing at the moment, thank God for preschool and naps! LOL! On another note, I went to a community college to become medical Transcriptionist (have been doing this for about 15 years now), this was before they had such great online schools, but I have heard Career Step is right up there with the others you mentioned. Just research to find a good fit. Good luck!

Thanks Snow Bunny, these are great! [2006-12-20]
:)

that is a great list [2006-11-01]
Great list! Given the time, there are many things on there I could have come up with on my own, but is nice to have the brainstorming taken care of. I am going to print it out and sit down and make a shopping list. I already have a large rubbermaid box that I was planning on using for the purpose of during work entertainment. Now I just need to fill it!

I read a great book on this subject [2006-10-13]
It's called Raising Kids with Love and Logic. They have some wonderful techniques. They'd be giving your son room time which is not exactly time out. It goes Uh, looks like a little room time coming, this is so sad. and you quickly walk him to his room, say Have a nice little fit. We'll see you later! See this is all said real nice and cheerful. And then you have to have a way that they can't get out of the room. After you've done this a few times, all it takes is the Uh-oh part and they straighten up real quick. There's a lot more. They have a website, books, tapes. I really recommend it.

Great tip! (sm) [2006-09-12]
Our local Michael's store (arts & crafts supply) also has a Saturday morning workshop for kids. I think they just pay a $2 supply fee.

Any GREAT advice on getting human urine odor out of a pillowtop mattress? sm [2006-08-27]
Hi everyone! I am in a major hum here! I have this great mattress that I dearly love and is quite expensive. My son has been potty trained for months without an accident. Frankly I thought he was not going to have them....wishful thinking, huh? Well last night he decided to come to our bed - and had an accident. We have a pillowtop....It has been almost 24 hours....we tried a small spot of 409 (I know sounds crazy but that is all we had). I read on the internet about rubbing alcohol or vinegar....Anyone ever fixed this type of problem? Thanks....I hope too much time has not passed already!

Mmmm...Just tried this last night. Great recipe! [2006-07-15]
x

Chocolate mess is great in the crock pot. [2006-07-13]
1 chocolate cake mix 1 pint sour cream 1 pkg. choc. pudding mix 6 oz. choc chips 3/4 cup oil 4 eggs 1 cup water mix all together until smooth. spray crock pot with nonstick spray. pour mix in. Set on low for 6-8 hours. Serve warm with ice cream. YUMMY!!!!!!

Great info. [2006-07-11]
With #2 I took OTC Robitussin to aid with mucus secretions and also learned that my LP and cycle had really changed after #1 baby (much to my surprise). Took my vitamins all the while and folic acid too to be right on track.

Chelle [2008-11-30]
I am a single Mom too and homeschooling my too boys. I thought I was the only one! Especially as a single mom. My boys are 15 and 10. My oldest I have homeschooled through an umbrella program (Christian Academy parachoial school locally). They provide all the curriculum, teaching plans and record keep. He can take classes on site for the ones we cannot do at home (chemistry etc). It's our first year. There were safety issues in public schools by me. He is doing very well. Mostly independent. I come up at lunch time and answer questions and help with any issues he might have and check his work every evening/corrections. My youngest has a developmental delays. We use Time 4 Learning I work IC right now so have a 24-hour window. He needs more one-on-one help. I need insurance so looking to possibly change from IC to employee stauts and not quite sure how we will handle it. Right now my IC job doesn't have much work in the early morning while they sleep and this when I need it. But often I work at night when they are bed. It's definteily not easy. But I do see it's a great value to the kids. I am happy to chat with others. I am in Michigan

What I've done...sm [2008-11-15]
With the experiences IWell, ANYBODY can do what you do. You just type. Most people are fascinated when they find out what I do and ask a lot of great questions and then say, Well I could never do that. Then there are the handful that have the attitude that makes DH say what he says. Itype without training. Of all the people I've given the website info to, only one actually came to my house and looked at my office setup and looked through my course materials, took the course, graduated and is now a working MT. She GETS IT. My DH and my family GET IT. I don't know how you explain it to someone who probably won't get it. You know? It's tough when people think anyone can do what you do.

how do you describe MT work... [2008-11-12]
I donbecause it sounds like fun or those who don I can How can I explain this job to them? Most people do not realize that I had to actually complete MT school, which takes 18 months to 2 years+, and that even though I had a doctorate, it did not matter in this field, I still had to do the MT school because I did not have MT experience?? I have one friend in particular, who is a medical assistant and thinks she can just jump right into being an MT and will be great at it because she has experience. However, I had experience as a PA and have a doctorate and STILL learned quite a bit...seriously it just drives me crazy lately when someone says oh, you work from home...can you get my sister a job? She wants to work from home too... or something along those lines. Sorry if I Thanks in advance!

I did both too. sm [2008-09-21]
I homeschooled my oldest child for 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grade while working as a medical transcriptionist. For his 2nd and 3rd grade, I set him up a workspace right in my office, so that I could instruct, assign work, monitor, and support. We then would go once a week to the district and he would test. Needless to say, he did wonderfully. It became more difficult however for myself trying to take my youngest at the time to school and pick up, work, go to school myself, teach, and take care of home and family. I was going through some personal issues with my hubby at the time and the stress was just too much for me. I did it again when he was in 6th grade. If you have the will and the self discipline, it is great! Good luck!

Teenage neighbor problem [2008-08-29]
I am a WAHM of a 14 YOG. I live in an upstairs flat. Downstairs is a single father of a 15 YOG. My daughter goes to regular school. The teenager downstairs does cyberschool. The problem: Her dad goes to work all day and of course she is left home alone. Her laptop is on a wireless router that gets signal throughout the house. She does her schoolwork everywhere, at all hours of the day and night, including at my house while I am trying to work!! Her father thinks its great that she can just go upstairs and I can help her with her work anytime. I live in such close quarters I don If this family lived a couple of houses down, it may be different. I have my own child I need to worry about with schoolwork and quite honestly, I think he should be the one helping his own child, not me. Any advice?

working at home [2008-07-24]
I love working at home for the reason that can go out with my husband and daughter for lunch, dinner or breakfast, as I have my own accounts and they give me a week to get it done and it works great for me. Yes, they are still on tapes and one of them I do doctors notes. This all works out great for my family. We are totally blessed by the Almighty God.

Alright kiddo.....pull yourself up and outta [2008-07-22]
I know the feeling all to well BUT I just have to get up, get dressed (out of PJs) and let your mind know you are going to work. Considering your shift, sitting in PJs is fine but when you get up the next day, you really need to get a shower and GET DRESSED! It will do wonders to help how you feel AND go outside EVERYDAY. Your body really needs sunlight. This very well is leading to your depression, not to mention just lack of walking outside those four walls. Make an appointment NOW girl and go get that hair cut. That will make you instantly feel better, remind you of who you are and that the world does not completely revolve around your job. Your children really need to see this for themselves. It will and is affecting them to see you like this and not for the better either. Sending your teen to the grocery store is a great learning experience for him, teaches him responsibility BUT they would probably like to spend a little time with their mom, cleaned up and dressed. Go get a burger and fries with them or just walk the mall a little. Just changing your routine a little will make you feel better and make your children feel better as well. Your stress level will probably go away if you remove yourself from your home more not to mention the great benefit this will have on your children. Think of them......they tend to fall into a pattern of what they see a parent doing and they could privately be worrying about you as well, which is not good for their stress level either.

?'s about balancing work and kids [2008-04-02]
I would love to hear what others do in the same situation... In the past few months I have picked up more work. I am now working a minimum of 5-6 hours a day although usually more. I figure if I have to I can most of the time get my work done in 5-6 hours. So... I have a 2 yo, 9 yo, and 10 yo. My job is flexible. I can work the hours as wish as long as I get my required work done. I have two dilemmas... Summer vacation: All kids home. Will be bringing older two to a summer camp from 9-12 daily. It involves getting them up and ready from about 8-9 and dropping them off. Will be back by about 9:15. I will still have the 2 yo. Of course, I would also love to have some free time to spend with my kids in the summer (is this asking too much?). So it would be ideal to get my hours in as early as possible and have some time in the afternoon free. I also don I am thinking maybe getting up super early, maybe getting a sitter in the morning? Anyone else in this situation? Then, return to school in the fall...The older two will be in school so that part of the dilemma is solved. My 2 yo will be attending preschool 2 mornings. I am thinking maybe getting someone to watch her in the afternoons. Maybe a nanny? Anyone have any experience with nannies? Where do I look? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I am sure there are others who have been in these situations. I like hearing about what other MT Any hints, advice, tips, etc are great.

Counseling with pastor? [2008-04-01]
There is a fine line between constant criticism and verbal abuse. I don For girls, you don For boys, you don I think it's great that you are about to start MT training and wish you all the best. If you want to make things work with your husband, it seems like you may benefit from an objective third party. Your pastor This may be a good source to have someone to go to couples therapy with, especially if cost would be an issue which it sounds like with your husband. I would also sit and discuss your finances with your husband at some point. Not having access to household funds except through him is not responsible. If he were to have an accident and get laid up for awhile, how would you pay the bills? Just some things to think about.

Thanks for the replies! more... [2008-02-11]
I was enrolled at my local CC and they dropped the MT program. Wasn't a great one anyway. I feel really good about CS through Everett Community College! At least I'll have real instructors instead of going straight through CS! I also get to use my pell grants! I also posted this question on the main forum. Wonder why no one is replying there. I know not many like CS, but I would think they wouldn't mind sharing where they trained and if they are working. Thanks a bunch for replying! Christy

nothing new yet, I am leaning on [2008-01-27]
Mya Avery for a girl, and Ryder for a boy, no definite middle name picked for him, possibly Kingston or Kensington though. My hubby likes Mya, but really likes Peyton. I thought of Peyton Mya, but doesn Just have yet to find anything else to top that.I understandsome people choose namesfor their meaning and all, but it is not like someone is going to say,Oh, Dylan, I like thatname-- means from the water. Not ONCE in my son I think it is kooky to choose solely based on the meaning... What sounds goodto us is what is important. Any other comments??!! Thanks for re-responding!!

looking for insight [2008-01-24]
Hello All, This is my first post here. I have some questions about my current employment situation and was hoping for some insight from others who may have been in my shoes before. Basically, I have been working for a small transcription service for the last 2 years.I came into the field as a way to have a flexible, at-homeschedule for my school aged children and just to earn a little extra cash per month. I donformal MT training or education but because of the bachelorreally love the work, but after 2 years I am only making 7.75 cents per line. Each time I get comfortable with a certain discipline and begin to increase my line count, the employer switches the account I'm on and I'm back to square 1. Also due to the limited availability of the work she has right now, I'm only getting 5-10 hours a week, if that. Sorry to be so long-winded, I suppose I'm just wondering if 7.75 is a fair rate for 2 years experience and if I'm getting the shaft by being switched from 1 discipline to another every few months so that I am never able to increase my production/pay. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. Thank you.

looking for insight [2008-01-24]
About a year ago, I received a whopping quarter of a cent increase and was basically told not to ask for another rate increase for at least a year unless my production increased to well above the 800 lines per day that my contract states that I'll do. That's been impossible to do because of the lack of work on their system for the last 3-4 months. I guess I struggle with the fact that I really have no MT credentials, just on the job training, but I'm told I do great work. I'm also hampered by the fact that the owner of the company is somewhat of a personal friend. I want to look into other options, but because I'm still relatively new to the field, I don't even know where to begin. Thanks for your response!

I was defending myself...not neccessarily asking for your opinion... [2008-01-19]
but once again thanks for it...have a great day!!!!

I'm giving up and I'm sad. . .(kind of long) sm [2008-01-08]
I have decided to give up my dreamof beingan MT. I have worked for approximately 6 months with 3 different companies. The first 2 lost contracts or didnmy husbandoff my back. I knew they weren't hiring, but I thought if I at least made the effort to get my old job back, he would leave me alone. My old boss was very glad to see me and said she had wanted to call me and ask me to come back, but she didn't want to make me feel bad. She said she didn't have any openings, but she will hire me anyway because she didn't want anyone else to snatch me up first. That made me feel really good, but I was kind of hoping she would have just said she didn't have anything for me. So, I start back next week. Anyway, I did not mean to make such a long post. I don't have anyone to talk to because all people see is how much money I could be making at my other job. No one cares that I love the work I am doing as an MT. Thanks for listening.

I'm getting another job too, but... [2008-01-03]
I still plan to do transcription part-time. I figure if I can find a part-time night job I can avoid paying for daycare, which would be over $700 per month for both of my kids. Considering I don I don I also agree with what some others said about looking for another transcription job. You could also type up a quick letter and send it to local doctors You might just find a great job! Hope it all works out for you.

I can relate sm [2007-12-21]
There are no easy answers. Toilet training takes a great deal of patience and for some kids, a very great deal of time too. There isnfully trained at 18 months. For one thing, children are not physically capable of holding urine until they are AT LEAST 28 months old. If you don't believe me, see the paragraph above. I have heard that they are not ready to train until they can ride a tricycle, going forward, on their own with some speed. I found this to be true of only one of my now grown kids. Take her out and get her some pretty big girl panties and let HER pick them out. DOn't get the sponge center training pants because they feel like a diaper. You want thin, regular panties because when they wet and the cold air hits their fanny it will shock them. Know that they will get stained and horrid, but it is in the name of progress. Don't make night time dryness an immediate goal. Strive for daytime potty training first and exclusively, diaper at night. Don't make a big deal of this. The child will tell you when they are ready to let that diaper go. Mine did and none of my 3 wore a night diaper much past age 3-1/2. Don't get into a power struggle. Stickers may not be enough. I had a pediatrician tell me to use M&Ms, 2 for a pee, 5 for a poo when my daughter was being stubborn. The advice is NO OTHER TREATS and make her work for the M&Ms or whatever very small sweet treat you use. I thought this was dead wrong, I didn't agree, but I was desperate because she was going to be 3 in less than a month with no progress. I needed M&Ms for only a couple of weeks because she got used to using the potty and got tired of the M&Ms. If you use a little potty seat, a good idea, take the little guard thingy off of it so it looks like a regular tiny toilet. Those guards are treacherous. And um, toss the seatbelt out too, they are just cruel. As for not minding a loaded diaper, some girls are like that. I finally gave up on my girl and let her sit in it until she asked to be changed. During the first week of this nastiness, her godmother came to visit. She walked in the door and had a fit over the smell, traced it to the kid and told her she smelled horrible, disgusting, awful and asked her how she could stand to be that way and furthermore, little girls who pooed their pants didn't go in HER car for Happy Meals. She never would sit in it again and shortly afterwards decided the best way to handle poos is on the potty seat. I am reminded of what I have heard several times. Your child WILL learn, she WILL get out of diapers because no kid wears diapers to school. This is not true, but once they get there someone will laugh and that is the end of the diaper.

Help from any room mothers out there... [2007-12-19]
Himoms, I am in charge of my sonWant something simple and with minimal work and or props.

MT has worked very well for me [2007-12-19]
I know you don't hear this a lot on this board, but I have found MT to be a great profession. I work for a national, have been there 2-1/2 years, started fresh out of M-TEC,and will make about 45K this year plus benefits, my 2nd year of employment. I have been very fortunate to be on a good account for the entire time I've worked for this company, so I know it inside and out. I find the job to be quite low pressure now (not so the first year - it was tough). With GOOD training, a strong aptitude for the work, the ability to keep your butt in the chair, and some luck, a decent income is possible by the second year. I made about half this my first year,though. It does take time.

Adapting to working at home [2007-11-30]
You just have to adapt. I have three boys at home and after my second and third, I was back to work within a week and breast fed while I typed. When you REALLY need the money, you find some pretty creative ways to stay focused. Look around for a good hospital that you can transcribe for. I work for a great hospital with great benefits at a nice pay rate. My kids are 8, 10 and 14 and constantly fight, tattle and need me for some various reason or another. They know that mom is at work and they try to keep the interuptions at a minimum. I know your child is smaller and has a little more difficulty understanding this. Hang in there.

I don't make much with my kids around... [2007-11-08]
Lately I I get paid 8 cents per line for clinic work (as an IC). For awhile I was making about $300 per week, but I was staying up until 4 a.m. and later a lot to do it! I only have 2 kids, one in school until 3 p.m. and one at home all day, but I just find it really hard to be productive with them around!!! I I do save money not having to pay daycare, buy work clothes, and use a ton of gas, but I really need to make some more money! I feel for you, and I know many women are able to make a good living in this profession. I I Good luck, and feel free to email me if you ever want to - even though I obviously don't have any great advice as I'm in the same boat as you!!

I don't have kids, but it [2007-10-21]
sounds like you are doing a great job, and shouldn't feel guilty at all. My mom always said she would leave my sister and I in our cribs in the morning while she stayed in bed. She could hear us in there just singing ...

Kids [2007-10-18]
It It seems like only yesterday I tried to work with my son in a baby carrier on my chest. Now he is 3! My kids are into educationalcomputer games. My 5-year-old daughter does great by herself (she started on a computer when she was about 2.) My son can run the games, but still needs help. He does fine if I am hovering over him, the minute I put my headphones on he needs help! Mama It helps when you can give them something educational to keep their attention for a while. As far as naps, my daughter does not nap. My son does in the afternoon for about 3 hours. I know that kids thrive on schedules, so if I were you I would go with a schedule that works best for you and doesn Oh, and remember, it is good to let them play by themselves a bit every day. It builds independence and confidence. My son is wonderful playing alone. My daughter was spoiled as the first born and she is very high maintenance! She requires our attention ALL THE TIME! So, if your kids are quite they are probably just enjoying some alone time! Good luck!

feeling guilty [2007-10-17]
Dear Feeling Guilty, Stop feeling guilty - you sound like a great mom. I don't have an answer for you, just have some experience. I have a 2-1/2-year-old great niece and 14-month-old great nephew that I watch once or twice a week. They, too, hate it when Mimi works. I think once they get to 2-1/2, they are pretty much set in their wake/sleep patterns. I don't have any advice on the nap thing, but if your daughter is content in her crib for a while in the evening it certainly won't hurt her, as long as she gets enough attention during the day. Have you asked your doctor for any tips? If you are working and taking care of two babies, my hat is off to you - what a heavy load to carry. Stop feeling guilty and give yourself a pat on the back.

I've been trying to figure that out too... [2007-10-11]
I guess this is a kind of an old post, but hopefully you I work as an IC for a smallMTSO making 8 cents per 65-character line, and I really like the company, but I really need to make more money. I am doing some work for a local counselor and am charging her 10 cents per 65-character line. I would really like to make 12 cents per line as well, but 10 cents for psych reports is actually paying pretty well. I got a call from a local nurse practitioner Her office manager said she paid the last lady 8 cents per line, but I From my own rough estimate, 8 cents per gross line is equal to about 12 to 13 cents per 65-character line for the clinic reports that I I think they are calling me next week, so I will let you know what happens. I guess they are very unhappy with their current Transcriptionist - she is backed up to June, and she has a 7-day turnaround time that she can I could definitely make their lives waaaay easier if they are willing to pay me a fair amount. Iknow I'm worth it! Anyway, I think you need to take a lot of things into account, i.e., do you have to use your own paper and ink, do you have to drive far to pick up tapes every day or every other day, what kind of turnaround time do they want? I would be willing to charge a little less if I didn I would say just make sure you have a great resume that emphasizes professionalism and skill, and prove to them you are definitelyworth a decent wage! The docs also need to realize thatif you are an IC they do not have to pay taxes on you, so that also saves them money. Imake sure to give them a copy of my IndependentContractorI am legal.I hope some other people reply because I would really like to see what people with a lot of experience have to say about this. Sorry for the extremely long reply btw!