Work meetings clashing with school pick-up are making me anxious

[LiquoriceAllsorts2]

I have received several meetings that clash with the time that I need to collect my kids. Where possible I have tried to make it work and have my husband collect but there is a couple that I can’t make work due to him being away. I will tell work I can’t make it and will need to leave early but I feel so anxious that it will reflect badly on me and hate that I have been put in this position.

feels that however hard I work, sometimes it just can’t be enough.

dont know what I am looking for really, just want to rant and get my frustrations out. I hate that this needs to be an issue.

One of my biggest bugbears at work is people not using the scheduling assistant. although it's getting better. But if it's 20 people in a meeting it's more difficult trying to find a slot that suits than it is for 4, so people will probably go with what suits the majority at that point.

You can record Teams meetings, transcribe the meeting, get AI to provide a summary and action items - that can be helpful for the people who were there, never mind the ones who weren't.

As for after-school clubs, it's not relevant to the OP as she does have after-school care but there's a shortage of after-school care now.

We dont conduct meetings over MS Teams but alternative internal systems so no recording feature. Input can be given before the call though. I didnt mention after school clubs. I said school runs and non working days

Not possible unless you're a manager. Minions don't get this choice unfortunately....

Your children are your top priority so no ifs or buts. If it's impossible to get the meetings rescheduled (and you have tried?) ask someone who attends if they will make a note of the important points. I am surprised there are no minutes produced for these meetings. If it's a case of not wanting to look undedicated or committed, you need to put that thought away until your children are older or you have other arrangements in place. If, as you say these other people don't have childcare responsibilities make sure they know you do and take those responsibilities very seriously and are managing much more than just your career.
I have juggled a full time job and young children myself and in a time when there was no flexibility for me. Stop apologising for being a parent and a working Mother and own the situation. Your children will grow up soon enough, you just need to deal with thoughtless colleagues until that happens. You are doing a good job!