It is definitely a balancing act. Most days I'm working from 6:30am - 10:00pm. This includes caring for my own family of 5. We hired a local lady that does school runs with her vehicle for our 2 children so bus/school runs would not be an issue. Yes, it eats into our budget, but I cannot imagine hiking the 15 min. walk uphill both ways with 5 dck's and my own 3.5yr old. Is this an option for you? Perhaps a mom that is already doing the bus run with her own children?

Nap is non negotiable at my house as well. There are a couple of children that either nap for a short duration, or don't nap at all. They stay quite in their playpens/beds until naptime is over.

Don't think it gets easier. But you certainly learn how to juggle and balance and prioritize. You don't want to burn out in this profession. You need to make yourself a priority.