Judging by the levels of work our social workers in Australia have to deal with Jez ... it could well be that despite what you're going through with your kids ... they're nowhere near as destitute or as needy as some of the other kids they've got on their files. It's not going to make you feel any better but maybe it will help you understand why they seem so uncaring or are unmoved by what you're going through.

As parents it's our job to ensure we give our kids the best possible start in life and help them along the various paths to growing up. I'm only at the start of my parenting journey and haven't yet got the teenage angst and hormones to deal with ... but there's only so much we can do. You've both done what you can and need some breathing space regardless of what the kids are doing. Be strong!