Cmiddlet, I don’t know the age of your kids and I don’t have little ones at home, but my grands are nearby and are ages 14, 17, 18(with special needs) & 20. Their Papa moved to his Heavenly home this week. They have watched as dementia has taken its toll on him for over 10 years now. Instead of focusing on them, as he had always done, he became more and more self-centered. Yet, they have been wonderful with him and so helpful to me. My son has said, on more than one occasion, “ Mom, I don’t know why you have to go through this, but if for nothing else, it is invaluable to our kids. They have learned so much about unconditional love and serving others.” I’m sure that your kids are learning invaluable life lessons too. As we have made this long, long journey and I have made endless apologies and explanations to strangers, over and over, their responses have been, “ I understand. My mom, (grandma, uncle, neighbor etc) had the same thing. “ Every family, it seems, has somehow been touched by this horrible thing called dementia. Your children will be stronger and more compassionate because of this life changing experience, helping to care for their dad. God bless you. One day at the time.