<p>I definitely found parenting became more challenging as the kids got older. Less caretaking, but more emotional and pragmatic parenting. (I have also found there is no phase of childhood/young adulthood that I dislike – it has all been an incredible adventure!) Both kids have special educational needs, which have led us away from the neighborhood schools and into programs which are public, but involve long commutes and heavy parental involvement.</p>
<p>I left the workforce for five years after I became seriously ill and have absolutely no regrets. It was more important to me to get my kids successfully launched than make a relatively small amount of $$. I will never be sorry for my choice, even though it almost cost me my marriage. My H did not understand why this was so important to me; he felt I had broken the bargain we made when I got married – that we would both have careers. </p>
<p>I’m back at work again, part-time. Not entirely thrilled, but it helps pay the tuition. H is putting his money where his mouth is and taking up a lot of the slack so I can get enough rest and not put my health in a precarious position.</p>