Does Back to School for the Kids Mean Back to Work for Mom (or Dad)?

Many parents who decide to stay at home when their children are born plan to go back to work when their children start school. It seems to make sense: the children will be out of the house all day so there's really no reason to be there ... or is there? Once kids start school you have to worry about who will be home with them when they are sick or have a day off. You also have to think about getting them to afterschool activities and helping them with their homework. I often wonder if it would be easier for parents to take time off after their kids are in school rather than when they are very young.

As if all the practical issues aren't enough to deal with you'll also have to make some career-related decisions if you want to return to work. You'll have to figure out whether to stay in your prior field or enter a new one. Read Back to School = Back to Work for help dealing with some practical issues.