I'm starting a PhD this autumn but... well... my Mrs can't wait til it's done. Please share your thoughts on the manageability of phd studies + having a child. Mainly I'm concerned about not being able to spend enough time with the child, the stress of comforting a child during the night, etc. Also the the financial considerations... is it possible to support yourself, a wife and a newborn with a £12k scholarship. Thanks for any replies...

Your concerns are legitimate, babies are expensive and time-consuming! However, there really is never a 'right time' to have childen so in some respects (although perhaps not financially!), now may be as good a time as any! Having a new baby in the 1st year of your PhD is probably better than in the later years which are usually more demanding (you'll probably need to work very long hours). Also, be realistic about how long it might take you to complete, can your wife bear to wait for 4 years? Best of luck with whatever you decide :o)

I want a little Wickid. S/he would be so cute! S/he'd have her/his own little mixing decks and own miniature, plastic thesis!

are u kidding?

I had my first baby as an undergraduate and it worked out fine. A phd is a job and plenty of people have jobs and babies and manage both. Financially, your wife should check out any maternity benefits she can get if working and if you are UK citizens, have a look at tax credits through the Inland Revenue too. They may be able to help but you should check.
Money and time would both be tight obviously but do-able.

I am a mum doing a masters and start my PhD in Oct 2005, I have two children (5 & 3). I would say that children cost as much or as little as you want them to, if u want designer clothes and an expensive nursery then £12k wont do! But kids dont need or notice these things (thankfully!). Also, when you have a baby your priorities change, you may have to spend time looking after the baby but you wont want to spend so much time down the pub.

As far as spending time with a child, many dads work long hours (and work away) and dont get to see their kids, if anything you will have more time, oppurtunity to spend with a baby. As for comforting a child in the night, if you make an effort to deal with sleeping problems early, its the first 6 months that are usually the problem-its all downhill after that! Finally, all the trouble will be worth out, more than you could possibly imagine!!!

Well, from my research (ha ha) Most people's first memories start when they are about 4 years old, so if you start now, the child will probably always remember you as being around! Kidding aside. My Dad did his PhD while my sister and I were kids, I remember it was alright- he was sometimes home during the day, and that seemed cool to me, though I wondered why he didn't go off to work in a suit like all the other dads.

There is nothing as sweet as a kid(s) in life for those who have them, they put you in certain drive A, B, C, the way youwould want it. So, youwill have the purpose why you will be staying long hours doing a PhD. Remember you kid(s) will be proud of your studies in public having a dad who will be a PhD holder in society. For your infomation am a proud dad of 3 years boy and I have just finished my masters of veterinary Preventive Medicine.

I did my undergraduate & master degree bringing up a child with speical needs alone. I am now a 2nd year PhD student and there are negs and positives to studying with children. Yes they take up a lot of your time (and money) but a PhD is flexible and you can work round the kids - be there when they need you and work when they're asleep. Also - by the time yours is old enough to start demanding mobile phones and Nike trainers you will already be in a good job!!

I'd say go for it.

PS - if you do some paid teaching while you study you can also claim taxz credits -

I understand your situation, but i think it is doable. i am in the 1st year of my phd, and am 10 weeks pregnant (unplanned). My partner will stay at home to look after the baby while i do phd and also work 2 evenings in a shop for extra money as im only on 11K. It will be very hard, but will try my hardest to manage! ur situation sounds better than mine!
Becky