I'll see what I can do about getting some alone time without seeming to dump the kids on her lap.
You can use the time you are off work in the evenings, or weekends, to take the kids someplace for a short time. The thing I appreciate about young dads today is that most of them are not scared out of their shorts at the sight of a 2-year old--the way my father's generation was..... The "terrible twos" are kind of hard to handle in public, (cause they are gonna try you out), but you could take them to a park to play on the "kiddie" stuff, swimming,or take them to DQ for a treat. Usually, towns have something coming & going for "kids", especially in the summer. Maybe some type of swimming lessons or whatever you could be involved "with" them. Whatever they enjoy doing.....but mostly just going somewhere so it can be the three of you alone. Time alone with daddy is soooo important, Stuck. Especially your 6-yr old. I can remember very well when I was that age and following my dad around. Those memories are important and will effect a child's life. Let your 6-yr old talk to "you" about.....whatever. We don't even have to "promt" most kids b/c they are busting a gut to talk....and talk...and talk (lol).
You won't be able to do something EVERY single day/night, b/c your body would eventually wear out....I would think. You do need to find something just for you that would take you out away from her & the kids. Don't think of it as being "selfish" behavior or even a gimmick to see if it bothers her. It is for your sake that you are doing it. That makes all the difference in the world in your attitude and dropping the rope. You will see that the more you break away from being around her, the easier it will become to detach. Human nature.
Later, Sandi
It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!
The "terrible twos" are kind of hard to handle in public, (cause they 
