>> I certainly hope so. I can't guess percentages, but probably a lot? of the readers are reading this and identifying with all of the characters in various ways, to certain degrees, at different times, <<

That's true, people have mentioned identifying with multiple characters, although most folks seem to have one or more favorites.

>> and I know I'm identifying with the 'kids' because I see how someone else fixes things, the solutions Uncle Phil uses to ease things along, and that those could apply to my life; <<

That makes sense.

>> I know, from my end of things, I'm not reading this as from the POV of 'caregiver' or potential one first-read-through, as objectively as someone thinking of what you said above. <<

Fair enough.

>> (Am I the only one using your work as a sort of catharsis/therapy? Words are failing me, argh! Ah well, I'm brave enough to admit it) <<

You're not the only one. Quite a number of folks have mentioned doing this. I'm glad it helps.