Well, I haven't experienced the exact situation that Derek and his kids are in. My parents are still together and happy (they've had arguments from time to time over the years, of course, but nothing major) and I don't have kids myself, so when I write about the general theme of parenthood, or what it's like to be a parent, I really have to dig into the reserves of my imagination. It's a strange thing: even though I don't have kids, I don't find it difficult to tap into the emotions that might be associated with having them. Sometimes, when I reflect on why that is, I have a sense of moments and experiences that have nothing to do with my current life, but that seem to be linked with me nevertheless. They're just vague impressions of having been a mother or a father at some point in time: nothing clear enough for me to describe in great detail. Not everyone believes in the whole concept of reincarnation, of course - that's a whole other subject! Anyway, I believe that no matter what the truth behind that is, the most important thing we can ever focus on is the here and now.
To summarise: I think that regardless of whether it's all in my head, or whether I do have some subconscious memories of having been a parent, there is something in me that can deeply relate to the emotions associated with it: struggling to know what is best for your kids, doing the very best you can with that knowledge, and learning how to own up to your mistakes and improve the way you communicate with them. I'm glad my writing gives me an outlet for all that. 😊
What a fantastic story! Thank you for sharing that all with me, I do tend to think that there is some connection with the 'universal spirit', whether it is a strict reincarnation of a discreet soul or a 'mixing' of energies, so to speak, or something else or in the middle, I (of course) cannot say, but connect we can do!
Parenting is a powerful part of life, and important, and its very interesting and very promising that you connect so strongly with it in your writing! May you help us all be better!