Hi

I'm after some words of wisdom\advise

I moved into cm from a job as a hlta (which I Loved), as there was a breakdown in my own childcare arrangements.
thing is its taking over everything!
I'm always 'at work' & finding things that need doing.
my eldest is 13, & i hardly see her. When she leaves in the morning im busy with an lo, when she comes in after school im busy with an lo so she goes straight upstairs.
my last one doesn't leave til 7pm, so my 5 year old is so tired most nights we end up not reading, & today her teacher pulled me up on it :0(
my baby is only 18 months & shes got really clingy as i have to pick up the other lo all the time as hes very needy.

the lo's are all different ages so finding activities is really hard as they are all at different stages and i only have one pair of hands

most days (if i eat) dinner is stood at the kitchen side whilst refereeing!
the kids i have hardly ever want to do the activities I've spent hours planning
and with paperwork some nights i don't switch off the laptop until 11pm!

I used to go to dance with my daughter on Tuesday nights & have a coffee & a chat, I've not seen my friends for over a month now because of kids pick up times

is this how it is?
or is it just me......