In the 70s, my mother started taking a bunch of classes, then working part-time, then full-time, and having essentially a separate, secret life apart from our family. This was at a time when my brothers and I need more, not less, inolvement (high school). My own four teens clearly need me now more than when they were small, so I can see for myself what my priorities should be. My mom dumped my dad the day after my wedding, ruining many lives.