I suggest you look at
NATS | A global leader in air traffic control and airport performance you will get loads of information from there. If you can get accepted onto the training scheme it is by far the best way to get into an ATC career.
Don't hesitate to PM me for any help/info. BTW my wife is also in ATC(we have 2 kids also), so what you are thinking is not unreasonable.
HD, training has been cut right back and from starting at the college to validation is no where near as lengthy as it should be, or used to be!!!!