[AnimalMuppet]

I wish that, when I had kids, I had been more present for them. Not physically present, but mentally. I wish I had let them pull me out of my own world more and into theirs.

I was trying to maintain my own mental space, maintain some time to do the things that I wanted, but I short-changed them. (And skimped on part of parenting, which was my duty.) Now they're grown, and I can't get it back.

Be there for your kids. Let them have your mind for a while. They won't take it forever - 5 to 30 minutes is typical - but give them those minutes, willingly, rather than trying to defend your own mental headspace.

One of my biggest regrets.