If your children feel the loss of contact, that is very understandable. If you choose to require that your children have no contact with family, or only contact at the family’s homes and not your own—it really is up to you and their father to make that important decision. I do know, however, it’s really hard to stop seeing family without plans in place to see new friends or participate in new activities. In my experience, if I’d only cut off contact with my toxic mother but did not have something new planned to do, it would have been painful and alienating.

Regardless of what you and your husband decide to do, your children are now at an age where some type of social club, sporting activiy, church group or service organization could be a wonderful way to fill the hours and their hearts. A thyroid condition makes it hard to stay positive–my friend said it took her YEARS to find balance. But she said watching her children spread their wings and reach out and grow in the community brought her joy. I hope you and yours find happiness.