I've namechanged because I think my ex sometimes looks on here.
My ex has an on-again, off-again drink problem. When he's drinking he won't see the DCs for months and when he's not drinking we sort out some kind of contact schedule so the DCs can get to see him.
My DCs are 14 and 12 and used to be really enthusiastic about seeing him and I'd try to organise as much contact as possible. Over the last year that seems to have changed. They used to want sleep-overs at his place but now they don't. Over the last few months they've not really wanted to see him for more than an afternoon here and there. He's pissed them about quite a lot this year with not seeing them for ages and I think they're just getting fed up with him.
Anyway, they went to his on Boxing Day and it turned out he wasn't sober. I'm kicking myself because I didn't spot it at hand-over as it was all very rushed. When I picked the DCs up later they were very unhappy. We had a talk about it and it came out about him not being sober. They don't like being around him when he's not sober as he's not "himself" IYSWIM. Nothing spectacularly bad happened but they just don't want to be around him when he's like that. I've told him this over and over again but he's never listened to me anyway.
So they've decided they want to stop seeing him for a while. I know my eldest is old enough to make that decision but it's just sad as she used to be the one who wanted to see her dad the most.
Sorry, I'm rambling. I just feel sad that it's reached the point where my DCs don't want to see their dad. I'm not looking forward to telling him either in case he decides to go to court.
I'm thinking of telling him that it's my decision rather than the DCs as I don't want him putting pressure on them to change their minds. Or should I tell him the truth?
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Use our Single Parent forum to speak to other parents raising a child alone.
Lone parents
DCs decided they want to stop seeing their dad
11 replies
raininginsuburbia · 27/12/2012 10:39
OP posts:
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.