I'm not sure if this should bother me...

Tonight I was talking to my kids over the phone. They live with my ex, and we do video chats regularly.

Tonight, they kept saying the phrases "my mom" and "my family," and for some reason that doesn't sit well with me. I didn't say anything, because I know this is my deal. I just don't understand why it bothered me.

Maybe I feel like they're being pulled away from me? Or maybe them saying it that way made me think they don't see me as part of their family anymore. But then again, I'm not a part of "that" family anymore -- they are a part of my family, and they have two families.

I don't know. Maybe I'm just seeing cracks where there aren't any. Maybe I feel like they're drifting away because of our distance. Whenever they talk about my ex as "Mom" or "my mom", I feel inclined to say "I'm your mom, too" but I don't think that's appropriate! I also don't want them to call me "Mom" if they don't feel comfortable doing it. It's a weird line I'm walking, I guess. I never thought I would be this bothered by labels, but here we are.

I guess I just needed to get this out. I imagine this is something I need to think more about. If anyone has any feedback or thoughts on this, I'd greatly appreciate it!