I'm happy and sad to read that update. Good for you. Keep the personal growth going now that you have more free time. Take care of those kids too. I'm rooting for you phnix.
I am going to do that and it is important that I take care of myself too. My oldest is in college and my youngest will hopefully be with me next year at my high school. Disciplining my youngest has become somewhat more difficult. I had him doing chores the other day and he mentioned if living with me is going to be like this then he would be with his mom. That hurt and cut pretty deep. I just looked at him and said, "you are my son and you will do what I ask you to do whether you like it or not because in the end I provide for you. You will not play me against your mom." He has become a little more defiant and his mom is being overly nice and friendly. Buying him anything he wants and trying to please him with as little confrontation as possible. She was in tears after showing him the home she is planning on renting because he told her he wasn't living anywhere but his home or until the house was sold.
One of my biggest lessons in all of this is people will treat you however you allow them to treat you. Being firm on your expectations and boundaries are important in all aspects of your life. At work, with coworkers, other parents, a spouse, family members, and most importantly your children. Unfortunately I have allowed many people to take advantage of me and treat me poorly.
