Father_0f_6

My oldest daughter Megan got married about a year ago to a man named Robert (Whom I absolutely LOVE by the way). Well she called me last night and the first words out of her mouth were "You are going to be a grandpa." They were originally going to wait until she was out of school (she only has this year left) so she could just focus on school, but as we know all too well...things dont always work out the way we plan.

Now, never in a million years did I think I would be a grandparent at 38...but...I couldnt be happier.

Now the reason I put this in the "debate" section was because I wanted to ask your opinions on whether you think someone should have a baby while they are still in school (college)? Or do you think they should wait? Do you think it would cause too much stress for the mother to finish her degree.

-Christian

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Xero

Wow, congratulations! That's so exciting. I bet you can't stop thinking about it.

Anyway, I think with all logic in mind, it would make sense to finish school first. I don't think it will be all that stressful to be pregnant and in school, so hopefully she'll be close to done by the time she has the baby. Actually having a newborn while trying to go to school depending on your situation could be SO HARD, and SO STRESSFUL. Even if you do have help, sometimes. All I can say is that I hope she can depend on her husband to help her out like crazy, including getting up at night, because there's nothing worse than getting no sleep and then getting up early to go at it all day. That can make anyone go crazy. Sleep doesn't sound like a big deal until you're losing it EVERY NIGHT. But maybe she'll get lucky and have an easy baby. Who knows! I just hope she expects a lot of stress, because juggling a new baby and a bunch of finals sounds sooo hard.

I don't think there's anything WRONG with having a baby while in school, people do it all the time. You just have to be the type with a lot of will power to get through it all successfully.

But long explanation made short, I would say if you were going to pick one way or the other, just wait. What's a couple years? And once you get your job, go at it.

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Sirk

These things do happen.
Congratz Granddaddy.

I think it's a little too late for her to wait.

It sounds like she's only going to be a mommy for the last 3 months or so of school. Babies sleep and eat most of those first 3 months. If it's a healthy, uneventful pregnancy and a healthy normal baby it could all work out fine.

I had a 3-4 year old while in college and it was VERY rough. Was in class 8-5, came home to homework and a sweet little girl who was starved for my attention. I hated it and wouldn't do it again.

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Father_0f_6

Oh, believe me, I know it can be hard to juggle. Amber and I had Megan when we were 17, she was born during our junior year of high school. We still hadnt finished high school, let alone college. I know it was really hard on Amber (and me).

-Christian

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Merrifox

It'll be hard as hell Even good babies take a while to start sleeping all night..the key is for them to work together on it, maybe alternate nights on who gets up and who gets a full night of sleep. Perhaps, once she's over that extreme protection mode where she can't handle letting the baby out of her sight(bound to be worsened by having to go to school -- no real chance for maternity leave there) maybe the grandparents could take the little one for a weekend night, to give BOTH a night of full sleep at the same time..and couple time

MidwestMom

If you daughter is a strong person, this will probably not effect her as much as you might think. She will more than likely be determined to finish, since she is so close.

Also, you might ask her if they have online classes that she can enroll in. I know many Stay at home moms that are getting their degrees through online courses, and it works out well for them.

If her school offers those, it might take a lot of the pressure off her. She can work on school work, while the little one is sleeping.

Just a suggestion.

Congratulations on the G-Pa status! I know you will enjoy it.

Father_0f_6

I like the idea of online classes. I didnt even think about that, I'll ask her about it.

-Christian

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Dadu2004

Congrats and good luck! I don't really see much wrong with her being in school and having a baby...she's married and almost done. Good for them!

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bssage

I'm thinkin if you live close it might be easier to make it a team event its only three months. She would not need to be burdened with concern knowing her own highly skilled parents are at the controls when she cant be. If your in a position to that Really whats 3 mo in the big picture.

Bryan

Father_0f_6

By this year I meant this school year (making it 7 months) guess I should have been more clear on that. and unfortunatly I am not in a position to help her out (meaning she is in Tennessee and I am in Florida), but I am away on business a lot and I could probably stop by TN for a day and help out then.

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