How can I overcome a bad childhood? Suggestions for any good books about this?

With no harm or insult intended, it really just sounds like you need to get a grip on your emotions and see what you DO have instead of focusing on the things you feel you didn't have 10+ years ago! Obviously you've become a MUCH better mother to your children than your mother ever thought of being to you, and you sound as if you've instilled a positive personal outlook on life into your children by doing some of the things you feel shiild have been done for you! The best thigh you can do is to remember the things you wish your absent mother had done for you and make sure to do those things with your children. Also, rest ured that more times than not, the ppl that feel as if they were done an injustice by their parental are some of the most active, present, and participating parents... this info was given to me from a case worker with child protective services.