School Transition for Family

I would have your husband start putting them to bed now while you are still there. We started this at the start of summer and this is how I did it. Every night they get 10 minute warning that its bed time and for them to pick out there book. (one a piece) then my husband reads tucks in says prayer, and they get to tell them about there day then he moves to the next room. The rule is that if one gets out of bed after story and kisses (and bathroom break) they dont get a book the next night. The first 2 weeks it was taking an hour to get them to bed. Now its 25-30 minutes. We were consistent and at first my husband dreaded bed time and now they all love it because they get daddy to themselves for a little bit and he enjoys hearing there stories of the day. Good Luck!!

Hey J.! Havent talked to ya in a while. just wanted you to know we'll be going through the same thing! Aiden starts kindergarten and i'm headed back to school. But luckily i'm just going one evening a week (6-10pm). its some sort of accelerated degree program. Anyways, good luck girl!
A.

J.: How exciting! I ditto what kara H. said and have a few more thoughts-- Going to the library and getting some childrens books on going back to school regarding parents as well as children starting back to school. Let your kiddos know why you are going back make them "in on the plan" to a certain extent. "I am going back to school to learn more...b/c" Learning never ends... mommy is going to start learning again at school and you will just be starting as a kindergartener. Let them know the certain nights that you may possibly be able to put them down to bed-- school holidays/weekends---mark those on a little calendar for them to count down to.
Let them know that maybe a few times that you all can have a special homework/quiet time together.
Congratulations and Best Wishes!

i would definately start a routine now that includes your hubby putting them to bed, by himself or at least mostly...so that they can get used to him & how he does things & also it will give you an opportunity to share with him what the kids like before bedtime.

J.,
I don't really have any help to offer, I just wanted to say congratulations on getting back to school and I wish you the best of luck on finishing up. I know how hard it is to balance the two things.
I have been a SAHM for most of the last 17 years. I also went back to school when my youngest started all day school in first grade. It is difficult going back and getting your homework done while having to deal with after school activities, homework for the kids, dinner and the list goes on and on.
I did the majority of my homework at the Taekwondo dojo, and the baseball field. It only got harder as the kids got older. One day, because I was doing homework and unable to play with the kids, my daughter asked me why I didn't finish school before I had my kids. It was heartbreaking. However, I did graduate with my associates in accounting and my kids got to see me finish what I had started.
Best wishes,
C.

Hi, J..
My experience was similar in that I started teaching night classes a few years ago (and switched to day last year when my youngest started Kindergarten). My husband tried to get a routine going and put them to bed, but they would not fall asleep until I got home!! Sometimes it was past 9:30 when I would walk in the door, but they HAD to give me a hug and kiss or they couldn't sleep. That never changed. My only advice is don't be too hard on them if they have difficulty adjusting.
When my oldest daughter started Kindergarten, I went through a major depression. It was hard on everyone, including her younger sister who suddenly found herself without a playmate for much of the day. Transitions are very hard to deal with. I wish you the best.