Welcome to the forum. This is an amazing place, filled with dedicated hobbyists of all skill levels, bonsai professionals, and ceramic artists from all parts of the world. Some of the folks here have been doing bonsai for decades and have lots of experience to share. You have already received some great advice from the posts above, especially about joining a local bonsai club or society. Before joining our local club, I had muddled along for several years, trying to learn what I could reading books, and killing lots of trees. Then I discovered YouTube; which has some good podcasts by knowledgeable professionals, but still a lot of conflicting information. My bonsai hobby really took off when I joined our local club. There I learned what are probably the two most important principles of bonsai: patience and timing; as well as the critical influence of the climatic zone you are located in. Here is where the shared experience of your fellow members really pays off. This can save you the frustration of killing trees by doing work at
the wrong time of year and trying to grow species that are just not going to survive in your climate, no matter how you treat them. Finally, I have to say that I admire your desire to bonsai while raising a family. I didn't start on my hobby until most of my four sons were out of the house, but have only had the time to really dive into it since retiring about five years ago. One benefit for you might be that at least one of your kids might take an interest in bonsai and it could become something that you could do together. I have one son who has done just that and I enjoy our time working on trees with him when he can fit it into his busy schedule.
