I had children young, looked after them at home from birth to school age, started working part time to fit in with school times, began studying, got qualifications, began working more hours as they got older, and worked full time when the youngest one was about 13.  Had time off work in the school holidays, mother-in-law had them some of the holidays. 

By doing this, I saw every single one of my childrens teeth grow, I heard their first words, I saw them sit for the first time, crawl and I saw them take their first steps, I watched them learn to feed themselves, and laughed when they made a mess.  I listened to them reading their first words, and helped them with their first maths.  I built lego toys with them, helped them with model aeroplanes when they became frustrated, I taught them about nature and respect for nature.  I wiped their tears, I kissed them and cuddled them when they were upset.  I taught them to ride a bike, to fish and I taught them to swim, I taught them to drive a car, I taught them how to stand on their own two feet.

By the time I was 35 (my children just about off my hands) I had a reasonable job and good prospects which I have built on since to become a senior manager and since moved on to pastures new into another senior position and now rub shoulders with politicians. 

Is that enough or do you want more?