have to agree with Mom of many

I totally agree... [2008-07-22]
This is what I would do: In the morning either before or after your sleep time, go ahead and get a shower and get dressed even if that is in sweats or comfortable clothes. Wear these same clothes to cook dinner and into your shift. I think the problem is that you're working 3rd shift and I think that is the cause of the PJ situation. I read a book that my 8-year-old wrote around Motherpajamas. I had not really looked at it that way, but I guess she does see me in lounge clothes moreso than everyday clothes. I also work full-time at home, but not third shift. You may also want to consider getting involved in something even if it is a painting class or something you like to do. I know this costs money, but your sanity will be saved in the long run. I am fortunate enough to have gotten involved with some of the parents from my kids Even though it is not over and beyond socializing, it is something, i.e., coffee for an hour on a weekday. It is very, very easy to get homebound in this profession. I cringe at the thought of going out on a Friday night with all of the traffic. I am only 37, this is not right. So, I am also letting you know that you are not alone. Hang in there, and like the other poster says get a haircut. Plan a dinner out if possible with your teens and make it a point to step outside a few times during the evening just to gulp some fresh air. I water the flowers. Is there something that needs done outside that you could do this? Hugs to you...

Agree with you...just goes to show why they are advertising here and not on company board-nm [2008-02-18]
xx

have to agree with Mom of many [2008-01-31]
I Believe me, I If a child gets away with it once they My 4-year-old used to get up around 3 a.m. and try to come into my bed but I just tuck him right back into his bed. He used to fuss and cry but he knows now that it won't work and his early morning awakenings are becoming less and less, down to once a week now. As parents we just have to be consistent right from the start and don't give in, even when we're exhausted and frustrated.

I'd have to agree with this wise post. [2008-01-08]
I agree with the work environment. Thank goodness my Momma didn I found clever ways to integrate work, child rearing, and ways to rest my body between typing stints. I consider myself a productive MT when I need to be. I do not work for a national, but I would if I had to and lost the accounts I have for myself. It wouldn I am no where near retirement, but I It is definitely a skill and I learn something new every day! The OP, hang in there. This is a changing profession, but some things hold true liek this poster points out. Henry Ford said it best, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t…you’re right.”

I agree.... [2008-01-01]
if you already regret your decision now, then chances are in the long run you will regret it even more...especially with finding reliable child care...I have an 8-year-old son and a 16-month-old daughter and while working at home has its challenges I wouldn't trade it for the world...plus I don't trust many people to watch my children...good luck...

I agree...if he INSISTS on you homeschooling... [2007-08-11]
then you INSIST on him helping with the children when he gets home from work...you can't do everything nor should he expect you too...

I agree... [2007-07-26]
This past season was the absolute pits. I didn By that time, I didn't care who won.

I agree (sm) [2007-03-11]
I was a nurse before I started this MT thing. I took the Everett Community College/Career Step course mainly because I could receive federal financial aid and still have the CS on my resume, whatever that's good for. Anyway, I agree that MT and nursing are two completely different worlds. You have an advantage with your background. I believe you can totally work part time at MT. I hope you do well. As a CS/EvCC grad, I would have probably rather went with either Andrews or M-Tec (probably the latter for its different tiers). Oh well. I was able to land a job before graduation. I have three daughters. It is difficult to expect the kiddos to play like angels before they are climbing up the walls while I work. It's frustrating. You may have to work early or late while baby is sleeping. Good luck.

I agree. (sm) [2006-09-22]
Starting on solid foods around 4 months should be limited to mostly cereal, and your baby should be getting most of nutrition from formula. If your baby doesn't seem to want the bottle as much, then you need to cut back on the solids.

I agree too, and... [2006-09-22]
Your pediatrician should advise you when to start solids. I did not start until around 6 months of age with both of my children. I nursed the first one and bottle fed the second, but the majority of nutrition was received from these sources at least until that point. Rice cereal is the best tolerated out of the other cereals and 4 months of age is about the right age to start this. I have also read the reason to wait on solids until about 6 months of age is because before that time they are unable to digest properly and possible allergies may develop prior to this. Please for the sake of your child, check with your pediatrician!

I agree with Misha about the enzymatic cleaner, [2006-08-27]
have put the 409 on there already, you may want to try a little vinegar (either straight or mixed with water). Vinegar is great for getting rid of odors, and once dry it will not smell like vinegar, but it should help to rinse away the 409. For both (or either) be sure that you pour enough on to soak through as far as the urine did, but then blot it up with a towel and let it air dry.

No experience with this but I agree that trying with naptimes [2006-08-11]
first might help. Or maybe try sitting in his room next to the bed until he goes to sleep the first few nights. Use a nightlight, leave door open or cracked. The other ladies' suggestions were good as well.

I have to agree with the poster below. 2-year-olds can get overwhelmed (sm) [2006-07-26]
My son just turned 2 and we just had some family over to our house for pizza and cake. I went to the party store and got Cars decorations and had balloons and a Cars cake, but that was about it. Even singing Happy Birthday was a little overwhelming for him. I have a daughter who will be turning 6 soon, and she is much more into having a birthday party and it's a lot of fun to plan hers. It will be much more fun for everyone to have spectacular birthday parties as they get older. Even next year for your daughter! Have fun with your little one!

I agree... [2006-07-14]
Guess we're just the opposite of most people, huh? We, meaning MTs, that is...I feel more relaxed when I'm dressed too, and not walking around the house in my PJs all day. I also love getting out by myself, but that's about impossible with a 15 YOD and a 7 YOS...who are in the house for the most part of the day too, and also look for any reason to get out! this occasionally helps me to relax, too...!!!

I Agree [2006-07-11]
I definitely agree with everything you said. My hats off to you for being a single mom. I can only imagine how hard it is. I'm hoping to put my daughter in preschool in September so I can get more work done myself so I can have some more money coming in.

you definitely are not alone...sm [2008-01-22]
I have 3 children ages 9, 7, and 3. I still wonder everyday how am I going to get it all done. I have had to give up on keeping the house as neat as I would like it...usually it is a FAR cry from neat really :) So, you may have to just learn to deal with a bit of a mess for now. There is a difference between dirty and messy, s dont sweat the messy. Iagree with the other poster that working as an employee is probably making it more difficult. I am not a morning person AT ALL! I often will work after they all go to bed til 1-2 a.m. Maybe talk to your employer and see if they have any job positions that are more flexible? Wish I had something helpful to add, but just really wanted to encourage you that it is a common battle we fight and there is a way through. Good luck!

names, anyone?? [2008-01-15]
I should be working, but am more concerned with the fact that we are having a baby soon, and have to agree on some names! We do not know what it is, and here are our choices: Mya Avery, Braydee Karrington (girl), Peyton Justice, Ryder Kensington, Kayde Landon. Anyone like any one more than the other? Any other suggestions? Open to anything, and LOVE different names, and boyish names for girls. Thanks for input!

I'd have to agree with this wise post. [2008-01-08]
I agree with the work environment. Thank goodness my Momma didn I found clever ways to integrate work, child rearing, and ways to rest my body between typing stints. I consider myself a productive MT when I need to be. I do not work for a national, but I would if I had to and lost the accounts I have for myself. It wouldn I am no where near retirement, but I It is definitely a skill and I learn something new every day! The OP, hang in there. This is a changing profession, but some things hold true liek this poster points out. Henry Ford said it best, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t…you’re right.”

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.

Discouraged [2007-12-31]
I agree wholeheartedly. Corporate America is public enemy no. 1, not just for us, but for many workers and small business owners who are fed up with corporate greed. This is why John Edwards may well win the Iowa caucus and perhaps be the next President of the United States. I too would not advise anyone to consider medical transcription. I would rather go homeless than work in sweatshop mode for Medquist or any of the other transcription giants that pay in the neighborhood of 6.5 cents per line.

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.

own accounts [2007-12-17]
I agree with that. That A lot of prayer goes into it as well as putting an ad on mtstars.

Guilt [2007-10-15]
I totally agree. I also feel guilty for not working if I am spending time with my kids, and guilty for ignoring them if I am working. We should not feel guilty for spending time with our family. My kids automatically think I am working if I am anywhere near my computer. My daughter will say, Mom, don (She is 5.) I decided that I am not going to put off swim lessons any more! I have been promising her for too long that we will do it when Mom and Dad have more time. She has been hearing that for 2 years now. We are now making time! My kids are more important to me than anything, and I am tired of putting work before them. I will get up at 5 a.m. if that is what it takes!

working at home. [2007-10-12]
I agree. I started working at home 24 years ago and wouldm't give it up for nothing. Now I am very blessed having 2 private accounts, one is very major. My daughter now works so I have to take her to work in the morning and my husband who is disabled picks her up in the afternoon. For a short time I worked at a local hospital for training, it was worth it. Now I sometimes lay down in the morning for a nap and then back to work. It helps. My husband is very helpful, does some of my printing.

Thank you for your advice! [2007-08-19]
Thank you to everyone for your helpful replies. We do get complimented by other people on how well behaved they are. My husband and I both agree that being disrespectful to us needs to stop and taking away the computer for the oldest and playing with friends for the youngest really hurts. Again, thank you for your replies. Somehow everyone makes it through raising kids! :)

I can relate! [2007-08-14]
That age between 10 and 16 seems to be the hardest for boys! My boys went through the same thing and now they're coming out of it at 17 and almost 15. I think it is part of growing up but they need to be held accountable, privileges taken if necessary and mom AND dad need to agree and be on the same front! Soon they will see that testing the waters didn't get them anywhere! God bless and I'll be praying for you to have wisdom!

thank you all for your wonderful words and advice. sm [2007-07-01]
i will be bringing the children home today and see how things go. sorry but i spent all week rearranging my house and trying to get ready. i have cut my work in half and i think i can still do part-time when everyone is in bed (hopefully) and early morning hours. to answer one question, the dad is a pipe layer making $150k a year, but has to travel all over the country to do this. i think i will have lots of family support on his and her side, but will still be the primary caretaker for these special children. i agree as one poster said, their life is already in turmoil and they just need some love and a stable life. i just pray that i can help give these children some of that and contribute in raising them in a decent way. thanks everyone!! please keep us in your prayers.

I don't know if I can help, but I sure feel your pain, SM [2007-05-27]
Except for the ages of your kids and DH's occupation, I could have almost written your post. I have a 17 YO who is never home, a 9 YO who is a pretty good kid, and an 11-month-old daughter. Hubby is self-employed and gone a lot (has to for work reasons). Like you, my life is work/kids. Nothing else. Like you, I see people my age with their kids grown or almost grown, finally having ME time, and I have NONE. We are trying really hard to keep DD out of daycare, but it Since she started crawling/almost walking, it She hates the playpen and is not usually a good napper, though will sometimes take a nap in the morning. Right now I am getting up at 3 a.m. to start working, but she doesn Also dealing with 17 YO School got done on the 24th. I love my DD dearly (she wasn't planned but was a BIG surprise), but this is the hardest thing I have EVER done. Sorry for all the venting!!!! It will get better as your kids get older. It Could you try some kind of a reward system -- such as if you let mommy get work done, we can (reward). That used to work when my boys were younger. I agree with the other poster - even an hour walking around Wal-Mart can help, or now that it Is joining a fitness center (where they have free child care) an option? Iam hoping to do that sometime. Do you have a neighborhood teen looking to earn some summer $$? How about someone coming to your house to entertain the kids for a few hours if you are trying to finish up in the evenings? I know it's really, really hard having no time to yourself (HUGS).

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!

I feel sure this is a phase, but at the same time [2007-04-03]
this doesn't solve your problem. I really like Barbara's idea. Rosie O'donnell had a similar problem with one of her children and she pretty much did the same thing with a spray bottle and it worked. I totally agree with you to not bring her into your bed. That will just create another problem. You also might try getting books like the Mrs. Spider series (I think that is what it is called) and share with her the great stories and wonderful pictures. You might show them to her in the library first to see how she reacts, you defintely don't want to make things worse. You might also get a flyswatter, maybe in pink and put a big bow on it and let her sleep with that. Just a couple of ideas, hope this resolves soon.

I agree (sm) [2007-03-11]
I was a nurse before I started this MT thing. I took the Everett Community College/Career Step course mainly because I could receive federal financial aid and still have the CS on my resume, whatever that's good for. Anyway, I agree that MT and nursing are two completely different worlds. You have an advantage with your background. I believe you can totally work part time at MT. I hope you do well. As a CS/EvCC grad, I would have probably rather went with either Andrews or M-Tec (probably the latter for its different tiers). Oh well. I was able to land a job before graduation. I have three daughters. It is difficult to expect the kiddos to play like angels before they are climbing up the walls while I work. It's frustrating. You may have to work early or late while baby is sleeping. Good luck.

Always had my kids at home while I worked [2006-09-29]
But I started 18 years ago, and I really believe there was more flexibility back then. Companies just gave me a minimum line count and 24 hours to meet it. Yep. It felt like I was working all the time, because I was constantly starting and stopping work throughout the day. I started MTing when my oldest was 6 months old, and a year and a half later I had my second son. (Only took two weeks off before I was bored and back at the typewriter. Uh huh... a typewriter in those days.) I think it's easier to work with the kids home if you're part-time. Full-time is harder. It's possible, though. It's all about scheduling and willingness to work sometimes ugly hours. By the way, my 16 yo is now learning MT. He's decided it might be a good way to make some extra money. And I agree.

Natural family planning [2006-09-10]
The Art of Natural Family Planning by Kippley is a good book. I don't agree with his views on Church teaching..but the charting part is very good. Buy a B-D basal thermometer at wal-mart. Here is a link to buy the book. You may also want to get a pack of blank charts. BTW, any librarian should be able to find this book through ILL. http://ccli.org/store/onlineshopping.php?criteria=category&f_cat=englishbasic&catpr=2&order_by=name My godmother teaches NFP, email me if you want her #. www.fertilityfriend.com has free online charting.

kids at home [2006-09-05]
I definitely agree with you....I hear people saying they work from home and have their kids at home while they are working and wondering why they are not making any money...it's impossible. I have a two year old son who is in daycare, and I also agree with you that the money you are spending in daycare is worth it because with them home, there is no way you could make any money......I have older kids who stay home of course because they are 13, 15 and 18, and in the summer, sometimes I am fortunate enough to keep my son home and they watch him, but he knows I'm in my room typing, and he wants to play with me....He is too little to understand that I have to work, and I think it is awful him knowing that I'm right in the other room, but will not come out and play with him...when he is older, I will let him stay home, but for now....I have to make money and that's the only way! I think the people who are keeping their kids at home until they go to school will be pleasantly suprised at their income change once their kids go to school!

No advice here either but [2006-07-12]
I know how painful and disappointing it is to try month after month and yearn for that baby. We got pg immediately after marriage, lost it to m/c early and then took 2 1/2 years to finally conceive again. I also remember the planned babymaking sessions. Ugh, totally puts a damper on the romance. I agree with the above poster about the fertility book she mentioned, I've heard great things about it and Clomid as well. Good luck to you! Also, as an afterthought, don't be afraid to have hubby checked out too. Embarrassing but easy LOL.

THANKS! [2006-07-11]
Thanks so much for your comment! I also agree with this board and hope that there is not much negativity. It is soooo nice to have people to talk to that have similar lifestyles and even if the lifestyles are different are open minded enough to be able to be interested in understanding other peoples lives. Have a wonderful day!

Not with this position...I have to work 8-4 p.m. [2006-07-11]
I agree with you....but at the same time, I have been single for 8 years and struggling always! I was offered a full time position with awesome money that I just could not pass up, but the only catch wsa that I have to be online from 8-4 monday through friday, and it was my choice to do that.....it is tough, and my son is in daycare, but I feel that in order for me to be able to make a living and be out on my own to pay rent, food, etc....I'm sure you knjow what I mean, I have to do this. I am home, and if he is sick I keep him home...butright now, him being so small I cannot get anything done while he is here and it's okay because I know that spending time with him is important and i do and love spending time with him. Having been through the struggling part of working part time because I want spend more time doing things with my girls and going to school, etc, makes me really appreciate the fact that I am working full time and making enough money to be able to have fun on the weekends and vacation days and just to be able to do the things that I have not been able to do with them in the past.....Believe me, I know money isn't everything, but when your single...money can determine whether you have to live with your parents or you get to live out on your own! In my case anyway. Have a good day!

I Agree [2006-07-11]
I definitely agree with everything you said. My hats off to you for being a single mom. I can only imagine how hard it is. I'm hoping to put my daughter in preschool in September so I can get more work done myself so I can have some more money coming in.