We have spent years trying to be the best parents possible to our kids. I gave up work to be with them daily from ages 0 - 8. We've travelled all over the UK with them, great holidays outdoors, the seaside the lot. We read to them every night, we bough them countless books, we fed them a healthy diet. We never abdicated anything to grannies, we listened to their problems and did everything we could to help, we tried to set them an example by being sporty and taking an interest in science and stuff. They had the childhood I wanted, by Dad was away all the time and mum a teacher so we hardly saw them both. We try not to pressure them even though husband is a high achiever in his work and previous academic life.
Now teenage years are here, both kids are in therapy. Son has issues with the actions of others (cannot say what as it is so odd friends would know this is me) and spends every waking hour playing computer games, daughter is self harming. Both live on the internet despite all we tried to do to show them the outdoors. We both feel utter despair, we cannot see what we did wrong apart from connecting to the internet. They are good kids, high achievers, have good moral values but just are not happy. It's tearing us to pieces. Moan over, I'm sure it will get better.