Oh boy, can I relate with you ladies ! While I have had to work, I had been lucky enough for the 1st 6 years of my son's life to have a job that offered me quite a bit of flexibility in my working hours, so I was able to take him to school, stay home with him when he was sick, even volunteer in his Kindergarten class 2x a week ! Boss & I had a parting of ways, & for almost 2 years I was an out of work, looking for work, stay at home mom, & loved spending the time raising my son. Walking home from school (saving gas) homework time, even though it was trying too ! LOL I've been at a new position now for 5 months that has no flexibility & it can be volitile around the office from time to time, although the boss is working on his temper. I hate it ! My husband keeps saying we can't afford for me to stay home, but I feel like I'm missing so much, & working to pay afterschool care. Weekends are spent on chores instead of on fun, & we're all more stressed than not.  I wouldn't wish to not have my son, but I sure wish it were different.