Kids know.

Kids know grown-ups fuck-up.

I did.

My mother often threatened to leave, but she didn't.

This wasn't D/s ... just abuse.

She only got her life back when my father died. At least she had enough time left to enjoy it.

TYWD

(I think this is off topic a bit, or the topic has changed. Oh well - I got it off my chest and saved a fortune in psychiatrist's fees!)