What would you tell yourself when your youngest started school

[Everypony]

38, youngest will finally start school in September. Bit muddled with various life matters mainly around my work vs family (but also parenting, future plans on house, schooling...)

What advice would you say to yourself if you've been through this and now wiser / happily retired / empty nest?

Following as this will be me too in August. Hoping to get fitter, declutter... and, um, that's it so far.

Also watching with interest. My
Youngest doesn't start school until next year, 2 months before I'm 40. Still seems too far away but I do like to daydream about what freedoms I'll have and more money!

It really didn’t make any difference to me at the time. I was widowed when both DC were babies, and I was working as a hospital doctor. A nanny came in daily, and it was her who got the extra free time! She used to go to the gym before picking the DC up for lunch then walking them back to school, and having a peaceful afternoon before meeting them at 3.30.

@Drogonssmile double check how much wrap around and holiday care you need before you fantasise about more money. My childcare bill increased when they went to school...

Starting full time work......

@Babdoc sorry that sounds really tough and you are amazing to bring up two on your own.

I too always worked since mine were babies but am now wondering to put the foot down on the pedal at work, or the opposite..

It's hard to find good reliable wraparound care so I get how counterintuitive it can be, childcare costs doesnt necessarily come down with school as @potteringalong mentioned

@KettlesReady fitness is definitely a worthwhile goal! Apparently decluttering helps lose weight too

My two are close in age (5 and 6) and having had an intense few years I dont actually know what the next phase might be like with no more kids on the card.