To expect ex to be able to look after HIS kids one night while I work?

[Mitosis]

Ex only has his children one night in a fortinight. Every other saturday night. He has no other involvement, never calls them, never comes to school productions, nothing. Pays me maintenance but its a low amount (£140 a month) and won't pay a penny towards anything else like uniform, holidays, trips or anything like that. He does the bare minimum what he "has" to basically.
Anyway I'm going out on placement in 2 weeks and unexpectadly have to work a sunday night. I therefore asked him if he would have the kids overnight sunday and I would pick them up monday morning and take them to school. How easy is that?? he would get them dropped off AND picked up - be had to do nothing but provide them with a bed.
He ignored my text for 4 days until eventually replying that it was "too awkward" as they're busy on weekday mornings.

FFS was I really asking a lot that he have his OWN kids ONE extra night so I could work??

I think you must know you are not being unreasonable and that he is!

Yanbu at all. He is.
Do you have anyone else to look after the kids instead?

There's a reason he's your ex and this is one of the times that remind you exactly why.

YANBU

YANBU. What a tosser. If he is 'too busy' to look after his own kids then fuck him - it's his loss. My ex was the same. DDs are 19 and 20 now, the eldest has forgiven him and looks after his 2 young DCs for him. My youngest DD ignores his calls and actually runs and hides if she sees him in the street!
I know how much it hurts and you have my sympathy - but there is nothing you can do about it. Sorry. :(

YANBU. My children's father is much the same. He doesn't pay child support either, he's a real winner.

Can you get anyone else to help you out?

I could ask my mum but she's already looking after them twice that week as it's half term and I hate having to rely on people.

13 hour shifts are kind to no one!

It just annoys me so much. What the hell would he do if I died? he'd shit himself at having to have them full time. And in 10 years time, he'll wonder why neither want anything to do with him.

Well there's your return text.

'Thanks for your reply. Have saved it with the others for DC to read when they choose your nursing home - if they can still remember your name by then.'

Just be pleased that you demonstrate every day to your children why a loser like this is not really a part of anyone's proper family. And, like you said, in ten years' time... he'll be wondering why it's now too late for him to muscle himself in.

You are right - he's a twat.

Now go do what you gotta do for your kids

YANBU.

I love GoPoldark's text though.

I once asked XP to look after our DD one evening as week while I went to college. He thought about it and said 'I don't want to make a commitment like that'.