Change of plan!

Last weekend I was supposed to start my EdD Doctorate in Education. Not only was this something I was really looking forward to doing, but I'd also won a studentship - amazing.

A couple of weeks ago I went away with my son and friends and realised everything I was working towards was right in front of me, my son (after years of struggle)is now functioning as a normal child (well for him anyway) compared to a couple of years ago. I suddenly realised that if I did a Doctorate I would miss the details of his life. My study was all about a positive focus when he was not good, and also about striving to provide him with a better life. I realised on our weekend away, seeing him so happy, calm and content we had made it - his life is BETTER!!

So, the big decision came, the choice between enjoying my son the way he is now and all the hard work I'd put into giving him a childhood and getting him better, or juggle both him and my studies - and without question my son's childhood won. I need to enjoy and reap the benefit of my hard work, his company nowadays is so enjoyable, satisfying and infectious.

So instead I am doing the final year of my MA in Online & Distance Education with the Open University, I have completed two years already with a Post Grad Dip(at the same time as studying MA Ed with the University of Worcester), so I'll finish what I started.

After this academic year and my second MA I will give my brain a break and enjoy my beautiful son - most importantly I do not want to be one of those parents who say regretful things like 'they grow up so quick, if your not watching you miss it' - I am going to make sure I see everything, observe and continue to support his progress and achievements (however big or small).

There will come a time down the line when he will want to become more independent and it will be then that I will pursue my EdD aim, that way I can have the best of him, with no regrets and have something to do when life is much quieter.

So head down for the final year of brain drain....

I have my graduation for my MA Ed on the 4th Nov, how satisfying is it going to be to wear that gown :)

Anyway off to bed now, I've been drowning in books about 'evidence based practice' for my first assignment of this year.