It sounds like underneath all of this trouble, you really want to do this. I would say if you want to continue,(and you think you have enough time)stick it out. Maybe sit & talk w/ the others and let them know what is going on. They all know you are new-and they voted for you, right? Tell them that you are doing the best you can, but that you might need some help, because you aren't as familiar w/stuff as they are. If you are open to constructive tips etc., let them know that too. If you let them push you out now, you will have a hard time to step back in later, imho.
As far as having to have your tots in tow- I totally feel you. I'm constantly dragging my youngest(2, almost 3 ) with me to school. Juice boxes, fruit snacks & crayons are my saviors right now! Seriously, these people are (mostly) all parents and should understand. As long as they behave most of the time, it really shouldn't be an issue. I know it can be distracting, but w/low participation rates...dealing w/a couple of kiddos is worth it to me if someone is willing to step up.

Hang in there. This is a tough decision, but it's YOUR decision. Like the others said, if you decide not to continue as prez., please still be involved.

I applaud your bravery for stepping up with all you have going on. You said you have to have your kids with you, does that mean you take them to meetings? If that is the case, you may be spreading yourself too thin. I know I can not give anybody my full attention if my kids are around.

I agree that nobody should take on the position until you have had PTO experiance. I have been involved for 4 years now with this my 1st year as president. Even though I had a lot of experience, there was sooo much I did not know.

I feel for you as it would be hard to walk away, but I say family 1st. It's one of those situations where if you step down, you will wish you didn't and if you don't step down, you will wish you did.

how many of us oldtimers haven;t been in this spot...heck just last week! My advice is to make it known to the other parents that you need help, do not try to do it without it. Yes you will not all agree on everything but you need to meet a middle ground on what is best for the kids. Take it slow and simple before you change alot of things, my first year we just drifted along and I watched and listened to those around the school and group. From there I started suggesting things ,,,,take it slow...Rome wasn't built in a day! Oh and by the way I didn't quit last week...

I don't know that I would advise walking away either. If it were me, I would regret giving up. But then again, I'm not in your shoes and don't face the challenges that you face. If you can have some honest and open communication with your board and principal and get it all ironed out, that would be ideal. And if you can't and you decide to stick it out, you've got a tough year ahead of you. And sometimes you have to walk away in order to live to fight another day. You're upset over the talk with your principal this morning. Understandable. But don't make this decision while you're upset. At least sleep on it and then decide.

Okay-as a different perspective...what are you gaining from this and do you want to throw in the towel. Are there things in what you and the Principal discussed that you can put into perspective and regroup, start anew and make a difference (which is why you came into this). Maybe it's time for a meeting offsite, like a latte day with the board and just talk...I mean not in a President way--talk - find out what the others chat about...they sound closed to you but if they really want to make this a team effort, they will open up...if you are honest in how you broach the issues.
Many folks, especially women, are put off by someone that comes into authority and in their minds alienates them. There needs to be an earning of respect on both sides. Maybe you need a co president, maybe you can take one of your ideas instead of all of them and start slowly.
There are lessons here for you to grow from, and I'm not sure walking away is the best answer. I was surprised when everyone kind of advized cutting bait...I know for me--I would HAVE to regroup and retry in order to feel like I was true to myself.

Just my thoughts and there is no defeat in walking away...but don't let this be something you regret. Having read your posts, you seem to me to be honestly interested in making a difference..the strongest trees are the ones that learn to bend.

d

Thank you all so very much for the wonderful replies!!! Now all I (not we) need to know is how in the world to get my house back in order, LOL!!!! The laundry, dishes, boxes of papers - back to the real life for me. My hubby would probably like something other than McDonalds for dinner. Thanks to all of you!