I'm struck by how many of us are trying to juggle school and kids. When I started grad school, I don't think I realized just how often I'd be away from home in the afternoons and evenings -- first with classes and later with clinical work. Fortunately, my husband works at home, which helps a lot. He gets the job of doing afternoon carpooling, activities and homework supervision on the majority of days. I usually try to plan one day a week when I can be home early (usually friday). On that day I do those parental things and give him more of a break. On the weekends I try not to plan school-related things too often. I've had to miss some social events with classmates, as well as some conferences and special events, because of this choice. Overall though, it has worked out to be a smart decision. The weekends are almost always protected "family time."
Dealing with feelings of guilt has been a challenge. When my husband rightfully grumbles about having to do so much, I sometimes feel a need to defend myself and attack him. I've come to realize this is motivated by my guilt about not being a stay at home mom, and my worry that I'll be seen as selfish for going back to school. Lately I'm trying to curb this. It does nobody any good; I just try to tell my husband "thanks" and let it go at that.
Before grad school I was home full-time for a few years, and very involved in PTA, kids activities, volunteering. It was hard at first to accept that I needed to say no to most of those things when I was in school full-time. I still worry that I'm not as up on the news about what's going on with my kids at school. I try to catch up as best I can at whatever sports events, concerts, school events I'm able to attend.
Another challenge has been figuring out meals. Mornings are rushed -- usually consisting of cereal or breakfast bars, or a frozen waffle eaten in he car. I used to make all three kids' lunches. About 2 yrs ago I told the kids they were going on the lunch plan at school. It's more $, but the time saved is worth it to me. Dinner is sometimes tough. I make dinner on the weekends and usually one additional night per week. My husband is not a natural cook. At first he was stumped about what to make, but now he has a small repertoire of easy kid-friendly dishes that he rotates on the nights I'm home late. Standbys for us include low-fat chicken tenders, oven fries, applesauce, and some veggie; also popular is soup and salad, mac and cheese, spaghetti with pre-made frozen meatballs. Takeout pizza is usually on the menu at least once a week. Also good are Asian noodle mixes and similar items that the older child can make on his own on the way to sports practice, band rehearsal, etc. Sometimes I make soup or an extra entree like pot roast on the weekend, and we heat this up during the week for an easy meal.
Because of my husband, as well as the ages of our kids, it's a bit easier when someone is sick and needs to stay home from school. Also, the older two can be home alone and sometimes must babysit the younger one if my husband or I have to be somewhere after school. I do sometimes rely on friends and neighbors for rides to things for my kids. However, I try to keep this to a minimum in order to avoid being that annoying mom who imposes on others.
Regarding health -- the most important thing I've learned is to get enough sleep! Even if this means missing an hour of late-night TV watching or study-time, I try not to push my limits too much. I get sick when I'm over-tired. Also, I use Zicam spray at the first sign that I'm coming down with a cold. It seems to lessen symptom severity and duration for me.
Any more thoughts? Suggestions? Concerns?
Hi,
We're all Wonder Women...I sure wish I had her magic lasso and invisible jet...they would come in handy. 
