I am a high school teacher in a small town. I love my job and my students, but obviously it is quite stressful and time consuming. I have a 4 year old son and a daughter due in April. My husband commutes about a hour to work and this leaves me responsible for daycare pickup and drop off and all the little things in between. Not to mention doctors appointments for me and my son and eventually my daughter. I just feel spread thin. I feel like I miss a lot of work (approximately 20+ days already this year with a Covid quarantine stint.)

How do other teachers do this? I’m afraid of missing first days of school and class parties and all the little things for my kids. I’m afraid of not being reliable or taken seriously at work. I feel like I’m sacrificing a lot on both sides and it’s a constant struggle.

I’m considering staying home after baby is born in April. Has anyone made this move and felt it was the best decision for your family? I can always go back to work when the kids are older or do something part time or from home. Just wanting any insight from mamas who have struggled with this and how you handled it.