Once kids started school....?

My oldest DD will be starting kidndergarden this september and I'm excited yet have no idea what im doing with myself. I've been working full time from 7-4 m-f at this same company for 8 years now about 20 minutes from home. I'm the only one who can really pick her up or drop her off. There are before and after school programs available but I think I'd feel horrible if she's there everyday for both instead of having me home with her. I didn't want to cut my hours and I don't think I'm able to do my work entirely from home. And I can't even imagine once sports and other activities start!

Did anyone change their working situation once their kids started school full time? Any suggestions for maybe something I can do from home?

Re: Once kids started school....?

what have you been doing with her now?

DD doesn't start kindergarten for 2 more school years but I plan on having her do before and after school care. I see it being no different than what we do know with daycare (she is at a daycare center) she gets dropped off right before I go to work and picked up when I get out.

Re: Once kids started school....?

I take her and my other dd to a babysitter near my work. I'll have to pick up little dd at babysitter, then head out to the school which is 20 minutes away on a good day. I guess your right that it's practically like I do now... I don't know why I'm feeling more guilty about this situation.

Re: Once kids started school....?

in the long run I doubt she will notice she will be there for an extra 30 minutes than what she is use too.

what I am going to be stressing out about is the fact that she has been to the same center since 12 weeks old and when she starts school its going to be a whole new place for her

but I keep being told kids adapt easily and we as parents stress more about it than they do.

Re: Once kids started school....?

I work for a school district and I always felt badly for the kids who went to before and after care until I realized how much they all LOVED it. They do their homework and play with their friends. Maybe you can tour the before/after care program to see how it is...

Re: Once kids started school....?

My work schedule is similar (a little longer).
No way to work from home.
Before care usually starts at 7, so is impossible for me (I have to be at work before 7).
When school starts, we are doing babysitter at my home full time.
We will use some of the $ we would otherwise pay for preschool to cover the costs.

ETA: our school district does sports immediately after & provides bud transportation, making it easy for pick up.

Message edited 3/4/2015 3:05:17 PM.

Re: Once kids started school....?

Thankfully my DH and I work a little different schedules so DS was able to take the bus from home in the morning. He does go to aftercare & truly loves it. He works on his homework, has a snack, and plays, plays, plays!

He's used to the long days from being at daycare/preschool from 11 wks old, so to him it's the norm.

Before & aftercare is so affordable compared to paying someone hourly to watch your child during those times.

Re: Once kids started school....?

Thanks guys; I think I'm feelin better about he whole situation