Transition to Elementary School

[Anonymous]

I've been working three full days for several years. Am considering re-working my schedule to work 5 short days because my oldest is starting kindergarden this fall. I've heard anecdotally that the elementary years actually get busier not easier with more running around and activities. Wondering how other moms that work part-time have managed their work schedules to be engaged with the kids but not crazed. I'm concerned that working every day will mean I am constantly running from work to home with no time to do the errands etc. I'd like to hear about others' experiences.

[Anonymous]

I have a 4 year still at the preschool/daycare and my son started kindergarten this past fall. Next year will be better because my 4 yo will be in Kindergarten too. My son goes from 9 to 4pm. I work more from home to accomodate his schedule, it's too much work to drive to work so I usually only go into the office once or twice a week. So that I can walk him to the bus stop and be like those other mom's and get the scoop on things at the bus stop (I've learned alot about what goes on standing at that bus stop). I drop my daughter off at the preschool in the morning and come back and walk him to the bus stop. so I spend a lot of time just doing pick up and drop off. I have him in a Tae Kwon Do after school program 2 times a week so that helps alot if I need a little extra time. I take Mondays off since it is a short day for him and I spend the morning with my 4 yo so it's easier to do some errands with just one in the morning. During crunch time at work I really use every minute and then I know that time will end then I'll get my life in order for one day a week during slow times. I get paid when I work so it's worked out for me. I volunteer at school but I keep it to a minimum of once a month during busy times and 2 times during slow times. It definitely takes alot more coordination to make it all happen but I think my son appreciates that I'm there to walk him to the bus stop and pick him up.

Good luck, I feel it's harder when they go to school, I thought it would be easier.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- Thank you so much for your reply. I am very near to making a decision to stay home next year (my youngest is only 2 so I have three more years until he is in school). I want to make a change professionally anyway. I am hoping a year at home with my 2.5 yr old with big sis in kindergarden will give me time to decide on a new path and provide me the benefit of understanding how best to structure my work schedule to compliment school schedule as much as possible.