AIBU to envy my children’s lives?

No, I don't envy my children's lives. I think they all have pretty good, interesting, lives but they are their lives to live. I have lived and still have my own life to live and intend to enjoy it my own way!

No never my whole aim in life was to make sure my kids had a better life than me it’s only worked fully in one out of three but I m still wishing
Every time something good happens to them or my grandkids it’s like it’s happening to me so I never never ever feel envious of anything just so happy That’s all I want in life is to feel they have a good time they all work hard and deserve it, luv em

I can't say I agree either I'm afraid. My eldest son is in a highly paid job but with it comes with incredible stress, he has put one daughter through uni and another about to leave school with all the financial commitments that entails and they have a mortgage like the national debt. I don't see anything about their lives I envy. The other at 43 has just started a family on the other side of the world, has struggled all his working life financially trying to live his dream and although now it's coming to fruition he works 6 days a week and also late nights over the weekend so spends very little precious time with his sons.

Yes we have worked hard all our lives too and have never had any money for holidays, have had near financial ruin and been through some tough times. Given that I still wouldn't want to swap our lives for theirs.

No, I can’t say I feel the same way Sussexgirl .

Everything we did we did to put them in a better place than we were in at their age, so I don’t regret a second, neither do I feel left out, left behind or that life has passed me by.

We retired early and enjoy every day even those filled with nothing more exciting than coffee at the garden centre. I think the secret might be in enjoying the small stuff.

If we have AC who are wealthier than us, with better social lives etc, remember that all that comes at a price. They are probably both working, children at nursery, weekends are a mad whirl, no time to relax and de stress. The will have careers with much responsibility and long hours. Plus a commute. They might envy the previous generation who had time with their family, and jobs that they could Leave behind at the end of the day. There is sometimes no escape when emails can catch them at any time.

This does not apply to me as both my children have broken marriages but I do know exactly what you mean.
My D's marriage before the split was what I hoped it would be and what I aspired to.This must sound weird and contrary but I hope someone understands.
I find it very hard to explain.