I've been the CEO of my children's lives for nearly two decades. It's time to focus on my own.

The author said she has always been heavily involved in her kids' lives.

Now that they're teens, she's taking a step back.

Courtesy of Nicolle Sloane.

I gave up my career to become a stay-at-home mom and turned into the CEO of my children's lives.

I chose their schools and extracurriculars, and made sure their lives went smoothly.

I recently realized it was probably time to resign as their CEO and just be a mom on the sidelines.

A few weeks ago, my 18-year-old daughter was planning a weekend beach trip with friends.

She's self-reliant, dependable, and not a partier, so I completely trust her to get the job done in situations like this.

I knew she'd be OK, but I still wanted to step in anyway, searching for the perfect hotel and safe beaches for them to visit.

I had a pile of work on my desk, unrelated to my daughter's trip details, but this wasn't the sort of thing that would usually stop me from helping.

I've been the CEO of their lives When I gave birth to my daughter in 2007, I ended my writing career and became a full-time stay-at-home mom .

It wasn't really a decision for me.

I knew I'd never be able to put my children in daycare.

I wanted to be the one guiding them, after all, I'm the one who could love them best.