Dh will have to step up with the kids.....

**lovestolaugh** · 09-01-2009, 02:25 PM

I will be starting my new job as a bus driver next Tuesday when school starts! I love driving a school bus. The pay is great ($16/hr), full benefits if I want them, I'm off when the kids are off, and I'm entered into the retirement system!!!

The ONLY drawback is that I will have to rely on my dh to get the kids up and out in the morning and be home when they get off the bus. Because of my schedule, I will leave the house at 5:30 am and not get home until 11:30 am. I then have to leave again at 2:30 pm and won't get home until 6pm as I will be doing activity runs.

The 3 hour break in the middle of the day will allow me to come home and clean, do laundry, run to grocery, prep dinner, etc. At least dh won't have to do worry about the house. (Wouldn't want that!!! )

It's just that I have always been a SAHM or at least only worked the hours my kids were in school. I have never had to depend on dh for "childcare" before. I'm finding it hard to let go and trust dh to do the job.

My ds 13, is in 7th grade and dd 11 is in 6th. My kids are really going to have to step up and take responsiblity for themselves. They have always had me telling them what to do when. I know dh won't be like that. He has a hard enough time just keeping track of his own crap let alone the kids crap!

I need some support from my FV family please. I know there are a lot of working mom's out there that deal with this stuff all the time. HOW DO YOU DO IT? Help me please!!!!! Thanks!

**frugalwarrior** · 09-01-2009, 06:14 PM

Well, First he won't do things exactly like you because he isn't you
2nd-the kids are at an age when they should be able to follow a routine
3rd-make a checklist chart (do I have my lunch,key,homework,etc)
4th-discuss routines with(train) your DH,don't set him up to fail
5th-discuss w/ the kids their part in all this. Make them part of the new setup
6th-expect temporary screwups. Adjustments and new plans are happening
7th-Back off and let it all shake out.But keep in touch w/ the teacher occasionally. Try not to micro manage. That only makes for defiance.
Good luck. Life happens Circumstances arrive. People adjust. Makes for sturdier kids when they launch.

**Debbie-cat** · 09-01-2009, 06:26 PM

I couldn't have said it better than Frugal Warrior. She is right on all counts. Your DH and children will probably surprise the heck out of you and everything will fall into place. Just remember that there will be mistakes and there will be adjustments. You are all in this together. Good luck!