I had a lot more free time when the kids were younger, and we all spent a ton of time together. They really needed me then, and I loved it! I was like Thomas the Tank Engine: I felt very useful indeed.

After we moved here, I thought the kids would clamor for more time with their Dad. But amazingly, the kids just love to hang out with each other and are ok with not always playing with dad every time. They definitely need me way less than they did in years past.

On the one hand, I'm so happy for the kids! But on the other, sometimes I get a little sad. I'm surprised I loved that feeling of being needed so much, and that I miss it as much as I do. Although that said, it's kind of nice starting to get my regular life back too.

Do you feel your kids needing you less and less as they get older?