The taxi driver

There is that whole stereotype about moms being taxi drivers. Or the family chauffeur. I'm finding it to be true. And I'm not one of those moms who has their kids in seventeen different extracurricular activities. I happen to believe that time together as a family is more important than my kids having black belts in tai chi or speaking three languages. This year has been crazy enough, with four of us at four different schools. Next year at least 2 of them will be at the same school for once.

I had heard that Tacoma was going to add 30 minutes to the school day next year (they've had a short day, only 6 hours). And so they have. But instead of adding it in the morning, which was my assumption, they've added it in the afternoon.

For my family, this means that Jumah has to be at school by 7:20am and the other two need to be at school by 8:50am. An hour and a half later. I pick up Jumah at 2:15, now the other two will get off the bus at 3:50. Apparently this is better for bus schedules. And WASL scores. And meeting various state requirements. I'm just hoping it will mean they have less homework, because I'm not sure when they'll get it done.

Yes, I know not every family has an 11 year split between their children. And many high schoolers are driving. And Jumah is certainly capable of walking home (although a couple of stalking incidents and the absurd weather this year have made that challenging). And I have an elementary school 1/2 block from my house, which would simplify things if my kids actually went there. And most parents don't go back to school full time when their kids start school. I know my choices as a parent are a HUGE part of this.

I love my kids. I just hate their schedules. 1/2 days, inservice days, holidays, snow days, sick days, and 1.5 hour layovers all make it 10x more complicated and expensive than it was when they were just home with me all the time. Back when I was a mom instead of a taxi driver.