To find this completely unacceptable

[Fozzyy]

So my exh just called to pick up the kids and we was just talking in the kitchen and he randomly punched me in the arm quite hard? I mean wtf?! Why on earth would he think it is ok to do that.

That's really odd. Was there any context?

Wow what a shock for you? What was the context? Would you consider reporting to the police?

Any context for punching? Odd question.

Is he normally an utter dickhead?

Not usually no. He just did it like it was completely normal and carried on talking. Makes no sense

This story is really light, it would be great to have more context so we can reply in the best way. Does he come to your house often, why was he there, he punched you - and what happened next? Who else was around? Can you say more?

Well didn't you ask him? Surely it just didn't go past uncommented on unless you're about to drop a huge back story.

Yellow car?

Honestly I think he just thought it was like a friend thing but I just found it so odd. I did retaliate and punched him back softly and that was that. The kids were in the lounge so they didn’t see it.

It is really odd; when something like this happens, it's like a deer in the headlights moment.

Hitting him back was not ideal, no matter how softly. I would prevent situations where you are alone with him in the future, set some physical boundaries, and if he makes you feel unsafe in the future, report him.

Yes probably not the best reaction from me and he isn’t violent or anything was just really random. He is constantly asking questions about what I am upto etc but I just tell him it is non of his business

He sounds like he's getting too overfamiliar. He needs to move on and allow you to do the same.

Yes. I never ask him about his life and what he is upto. We only split up 4 months ago and I went through my heartbreak then, although it was my decision. He seemed to be ok back then whilst I was a complete mess.

Completely unacceptable.
He needs to collect from the door going forward.
I would not have him in the house.
This is not normal behaviour.

We only split up 4 months ago

It was a warning shot. Treat it as such and start being more careful around him. Stop telling him things, don't tell the children anything personal that you don't want him to know (because he WILL be questioning them) and make sure you have space or furniture between you and him in future.

Well , I cant really make out what you are saying. Was it a playful punch ( in a see you later kind of way) or an act of aggression? Because your response seems odd - you punched him back in a soft way?

I'd do my best to be civil but keep distance, drop off at the door etc

I would definitely stop the coming into your house part of the handover. There's no need for him to be in your kitchen.

"he isn't violent'

He is! He just punched you on the arm, so he is violent. As other pp have said, physical boundaries: he's not allowed in your home anymore, pick up/drop off dealt on the street in front of the house, and you're not isolating yourself somewhere with him anymore. Fuck that!