When purchasing term life insurance, consider how long it will be until your children are financially independent and your debts are paid off. The point of life insurance is to protect family members such as children who are totally dependent on your income. Take a policy that will outlast the period of your children's dependence and any long-term loans such as a mortgage.
Life insurance comes in many different variations that can fit just about any budget. Once you know the amount of coverage you need, decide whether you want insurance that provides permanent coverage, or just need term insurance to cover you until large expenses are paid off. Once debts are gone and the kids move out, you may decide to self-insure and won't need life insurance coverage anymore.