Hello fellow carers,
I thought I'd get the ball rolling by introducing myself,
Hi, I'm Janine. I care mainly for my eldest son who just turned 14 and has been diagnosed with ADHD and an ASC (Asperger syndrome). My youngest son, aged 11, also needs some extra support as he has Dyspraxia. I am a single parent and have been studying with the OU since 2007, hopefully I'll have completed a degree in Psychology by 2013.
Hi janine, sounds like you have your hands full but in the nicest possible way. I'm at the other end of the spectrum, caring for a couple of elderly relatives. The biggest issue for me has always been feeling guilty about not doing enough.
Jane
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Jane Matthews
Platform home team
Hello, I'm Ian, I have 2 children, I am my disabled son's full time carer. He has cerebral palsy and visual impairment. He attends school 5 days a week so theoretically I'll have plenty of time to study.
Just starting out on the OU pathway to self improvement (Law)!
Hi everyone
I'm Michelle full-time carers for my hubby who has multiple health problems. Finished work in March this year to care F/T.. Hoping that the OU study will give me something for myself as well as something to show employers if I ever get back to work. Also have 2 children 11 year old girl and 18 year old son. My son is Dyspraxic so I can know what your up against Janine
Hello my name is Linda. My mother has vascular dementia and I have health problems. I went on the conference in May and it was very good - just got the report back. Glad this forum is set up and we all can support each other. All the best with your studies.
Linda
Hello there. I am now in my 3rd year of study towards a childhood and youth studies degree, my next module is EK310, research with children and young people starting in Feb 2012. It would be great to have support from fellow students who understand the difficulties faced from studying while also providing care for our loved ones. Good luck to you all with your studies and hipefully we can offer support when needed
Sarah
hiya , i am on my third year of study for a maths degree. I am a single parent of 4 children .My eldest is disabled and has just been diagnosed with GLUT1 and my youngest has ADHD . I struggled last year, as i cant get to any of the tutorials due to childcare, and failed my exam . I am trying again this year and resiting in june but my son has had a major setback and been off school and in and out of hospital since december . Now feel like i am not going to pass again . trying to study and research a disease that no one seems to have heard of .
joanna
Hi, my name is Dawn. I am a carer for my mother who has a mental illness and phyiscal health problems. I also have mental health problems.
I started my Psychology degree in Nov 2011 and aim to manage my responsibilities alongside my study/
I am a single parent to Ethan who is 4 and keeps me smiling! I am very prond of what I have achieved and what I manage on a daily basis. I love my study. It keeps me focused and optimistic.
Glad I found this forum for carers.