I had to take whatever I could grab, in the same sq mile for the schools(all different) that my 4 kids attend. If I didn't, the judge could and probably would award primary physical custody because she gave him the house that we lived in for 17 years.
I got a house almost 1/2 the size of our marital home, took the family room (no living or dining room, only 1200 sq ft. for 5 people) and made 1/2 of the family room into another room for my youngest child.
Can't get too much smaller than that. Have to have 2 bathrooms, I have 2 girls and 2 teenage boys to get ready for school. Thanks for the concern.
Did you buy a house or are you renting? You said you pay rent but some of your posts make it seem like you own it.
Also, you said you are a stay at home mom, but you've also said you are a teacher. Which is it?