The Working Mom's Back-to-School Balancing Act

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Talk to any working mom about her kids going back to school, and you'll quickly see a frazzled look in her eyes (and perhaps a few gray hairs start sprouting!)

She's thinking of all those additional balls she has to start juggling. Carpools, bus schedules (or worse, cash-strapped schools cutting bus service), sports practices and games, parent-teacher conferences, volunteering at school, before- and after-school care, homework help -- the list goes on and on!

Working full-time, or even part-time, becomes a whole new minefield when you have children in school. Being uber-organized, working in a flexible job and having a great sense of humor help -- a lot. And of course, it's nice to know you're not alone.

We liked this post by Tela from Working Moms Against Guilt, whose son is starting preschool at a "real school" (instead of a more flexible daycare environment). The work-school tug is just beginning for her. More seasoned working moms of school-age kids will appreciate this WalletPop post from Ann Brenoff, 5 things working parents wished teachers knew. If you're wondering how the heck you'll be able to stay involved in your child's classroom, Divine Caroline's Laura Roe Stevens shares her tips for working moms who want to volunteer at school.

It's times like this that many moms start seriously considering how they can find more flexible work. Mom Corps might be able to help. Take a look at these available flexible work arrangements and apply for the ones that work for you!

What about you? How do you cope with all the extra responsibilities during the school year?