Remember what made you who you are.
A great foundation, hard work and DETERMINATION!
(not mommy&daddy paying for everything....nor quitting)
It doesn't sound like "it" was handed to you,, because you're still working your
off.
Don't feel like you have to hand "it" to your kids. There is so much to be learned when you have to go get "it" yourself. Allow them to achieve that, it will be rewarding for them. Be supportive and guiding, but allow them to learn what is needed to be successful. A lot of kids today think that "it's" owed to them,,,, nothing is owed, it's achieved.
Show them love
Show them responsibility by your own actions as well as delegating them some of their own
Help pay for college, but don't own the whole thing yourself. Only you know what you can afford to do. Don't put yourself in a bad place financially, emotionally or physically.
God only knows, they may come out of college and end up in HVAC?
My college plan is this:
He's needs a job.
His pay comes to me...(with him getting very
little to no spending money, more of an as needed and "why")
Based on what my wife and I can afford, I take a small portion of his pay and add it to my contribution in making college payments
The rest goes into a secret account for his future
Adjustments get made as needed
Quality of life is important.
Good luck, stay healthy....stay sane.