Regretting the time not spent

I can say honestly that now that my sons are grown I have very few regrets. I wish I would have ended my marriage sooner to spare them some of their father's wrath but they have a good relationship with him now so I think I did the right thing. A few times I yelled at them and I wish I hadn't but all in all I have 99.9% great memories of their growing up. I enjoyed every moment of it-well, almost!-and they've thanked me many times for being the best mom they could have had. They're now noticing how people treat their children, how their friends treat their own children, and they realize how lucky they were.

As a parent with several grown-ups I do regret the missed time with a few of them. Wishing for something that will never happen is a waste of time, but the thought did pass several times through my mind. Three of my offspring are distant from me, especially the fourth one. During the time I should have spent some time with her I was away. It could not be helped but still the damage has been done. I am now trying to prevent the same thing from repeating with the younger ones. all the best in your parenting, rosdimy

yes I wish I had spent more time with my son, we might have had a better relationship today if I did.

You are definitely doing the right thing. I was a single mom and yes I wish I would have done thing differently. At the time I thought I had to work, work, work, and make ends meet, I didn't spend hardly anytime with my children, they missed out on a lot and now I regret it. If I had to do it all over again I would do it differently. I have to admire my daughter because she spends a lot of time and do a lot of things with her children even though she works full time. Again I say you are doing the right thing spending time with your child, because once that time is lost you can never get it back. I lost my chance and I regret it.

well i'm not a parent yet, but this topic is one of my deep concerns in life, and i've seen parents that either wish they can turn back time or can just end their life.. sad, really.. there's this one rich man, i mean very rich, he's old & rusty but still dam good in his business.. his wife doesn't care about him anymore, except his WILL.. his son has been studying & travelling abroad since the son can remember.. his daughter only care about him when she wants a new car, or just new stuffs.. thank GOD with all these he's still strong & spirited.. because of stories like these i always keep in mind that work is for the family, not the family for work.. why pursuing wealth if you can't pursue happiness.. =(