12hr vs 8hr

I'm a single mom so I find it difficult to juggle my 12hr shifts and kids. I have to rely on someone to get them to and from school and activities when I work. I love my job but I am considering switching to something that is M-F 8hr shifts. I've heard its a mistake because not only would I lose my overtime but I won't be able to switch shifts, have weekdays off, ect. I would like some opinions from other single moms out there....which do you prefer?
Please take it with a grain of salt as I am not a single mom, or female, but everyone I know and work with who is female, is (with the exception of 2). Many of them worked 12 hour shifts for the money until they married someone who could help support them. Then they changed to PRN, or Home Health, or got other job types with flexible schedules. Until then, they used their parents or stay-at-home dads (in the case of 2) as baby-sitters.Again, I'm no expert, this is just what I saw. Hope it can help!