pamelarae,

Are there any things you can do to lessen your load?

Can the kids walk home from school?
I did in New Hampshire and Connecticut, even in winter. Or enlist others for a car pool ride to and from school.

There are free online tutoring programs they may have access to for homework help.

After-school activities can be put off until you are better.

Can they help with household chores? Our kids were doing their own laundry starting when the youngest was 8 years old. They quickly learned the value of taking care of their clothes. Modern washers and dryers are easy to operate. You could make placards for them to follow. You will be surprised at how well they can do.

Do they have friends where they can spend weekend days to give you some peace?

They can become part of your solution. They are children. They have minimal say in the matter. Put the task before them and watch them rise to the occasion.

When they realize that their participation in household needs will help you heal so life can return to normal, they may become great helpers.

The other option is a mother who becomes grouchy and irritable as time goes on.

I hope you can find a way to lessen your load.

My best to you.