We should be old hands at this by now. But as the kids (now 11 and 14) have got bigger, they’ve needed a different sort of support. And as they’ve grown, so have our jobs. Both professionals, DH in the City and now managing a large team, me running a sole practice with a bit more flexibility (I have most school holidays off, for example) but huge demand (not law, thank goodness). And we’ve picked up elderly parents, children’s health/ education needs, dogs and a bigger house along the way. Thank goodness, we are both in pretty good health, HRT has been amazingly helpful. We’ve always been great at sharing the load, have a strong marriage and both enjoy our work. We can hurl money, but not time at issues.
We are having a pretty busy few weeks. DH travelling for work and overseeing a huge case, my work is unusually busy and complex, kids have endless events/ meetings etc. I could host a conference about the vivid nature of my anxiety dreams (when I’m not awake fretting).
It just feels too much at the moment. And last night I realised none of my close friends are in this situation, so I feel reticent about sharing this with them. Most have given up work or taken very part time jobs. Or their partners have stepped back.
If you make a success of something similar, please remind me we will get through, it can be done….and how it’s done!