I remember reading about a Pa Kua Chang master who could walk through a crowd with a full teacup and not spill any. For whatever reason I started to practice walking with a full to the brim teacup (with or without a handle) and now I can go up and down stairs with one or two and not spill anything. Usually
My little brother’s wife had little interest in raising kids so it all fell on him. Without him, there may have never been love felt by his child. Her only interest was her career and living the high life. Having kids requires so much sacrifice which can make it very challenging when only one parent accepts the sacrifices. But he’s reaped the rewards. His wife doesn’t have much of a relationship with their child now that they’re an adult. And she’s kind of okay with that. Right now. The future has a way of biting us for the sacrifices we chose to pass on to others. I imagine as she ages, she’ll have regrets that can’t be walked back any more.
If you put in all the effort, the kids will remember. The future you’re sacrificing for may bring greater value than what you sacrificed. She may even see and hear about all you do together as a family, minus her, and want to become more part of what she’ll be missing.
None of that makes it easier now, and not having any free time to decompress really sucks. With all the micro time management you’re going to be doing, hopefully you can find time for yourself to fill your wants and needs.
If your spouse doesn’t appreciate you or consider your needs, that’s another issue to find a solution for that kids certainly complicate. Relationship issues are tough to work through and if either or both people don’t look at themselves in a mirror it can be insurmountable for the time. Then your choice becomes going into a holding pattern or finding someone else who can fill your needs you spouse won’t fill, or last; walking away which won’t make anything easier even if it can solve a problem