[jdlshore]

Kids typically leave home at 18 or 19 years old, and there tends to be a 2-5 year gap between children. Someone who left the workforce 20 years ago could have a 19 year old in their first year of college, a 16-year old in high school, and a 12-year old in middle school.

Teenagers need parental attention just as much as younger children—more, in some ways, because while they don't need constant attention like young children do, when they do need help, it tends to be more serious.

[blikdak]

Well said. If you don't spend the time looking after your kids when they're younger you'll end up spending a lot more time sorting out problems when they're older.