I have raised my kids mostly on my own (divorced when they were young), and have two aged 13 and almost 17. I had MS before I had my first, and I worked until my eldest was 13. I also didn't have much support (no Grandparents, and sisters; too self-absorbed).

It is/was very, very hard. I had a good career when I was working, so I "bought" a lot of their opportunities in life; like travel, competitive sports, speciality schools, etc. If I didn't have the financial advantage, they would have missed out on a lot, and I would have felt terrible about that.

I haven't done much with them in the last 5 or 6 yrs, and I really wish that wasn't the way things panned out for them. I am at home now though, so at least we are close from that perspective.

Of course I would make the same decision because I can't imagine not having my second one (now that I have her). But if I hadn't been set up financially, and if I didn't have a lot of support from my ex, I would not have survived and/or they would not have prospered.

Cherie