I know this sounds a bit extreme so bear with me.
Ds1 is approaching his teens and I'm realising that there's so many things I just can't help him with because they're out of my control. He's having a miserable time right now and although dh and I are supporting him, we can't just sort everything out. It's hit me that these kinds of ups and downs are just the way it's going to be now.
When dc are small you can jut scoop them up and sort everything out, but growing up is hard and life can be so tough.
Dh and I are both so miserable in our jobs right now too, we are lucky in so many ways but life can still be such a struggle. I hate to think of my dc feeling like this in the future.
The world can be a horrible place at times.
Even though I'm a worrier I try to be positive and look for the good in situations, but I just hate watching my dc so sad and I know there'll be more sad times because that's just the way life is.