When your kids are little, you do a lot of active, hands-on parenting. Playing with them, actually doing things together.
Around ten, they get into activities and friends, and your parenting becomes less active. You take them to soccer or guitar practice…and you sit there until they’re done. They go play at a friend’s house…and you sit around your house in case you’re needed.
You’re not free, but you’re not really with them, either. You’re in this weird in-between place. On standby. On hold. You’re off-stage in your own life.
It’s happening in my house, and I don’t like it.