Ex and his lack of regard for anything

[JuliaSG]

Divorced two years - after children, ex became intolerable and we separated. He has always been very quick to criticise the children if he thought they weren’t preforming to his standard. Still having nightmares about mini rugby when DS was two and ex was furious as he wasn’t good enough. I have the children the majority of the time and I am raising them with love and unconditional support, trying to bolster them. Ex sent a text recently that he intends to climb a very tall mountain with our youngest DS who is six. I replied saying that although DS is active, I think he is too young. Ex replied DS wants to do it. I suggested waiting untiI he was older to no avail. So now I am going to be worrying very much that my poor DS isn’t ready and hoping he returns safely. ‘Co parenting’ with different values is very hard.

has ds done hiking before? Is ex experienced? It’s important to build up to it through shorter, less steep walks. It’s admirable this is the goal but there needs to be a plan to get to it.

there has been a big uptick in emergency rescue being needed for ill experienced and ill prepared people going up mountains

This is my worry. DS is active but no considerable hiking experience.

Its a recipe for disaster but your ex can not tolerate any firm if limitation on himself ir his ideas. If you can get him (subtly) to take a hiking buddy, another adult, your child will be safer as the other adult will become irritated and concerned when DS can’t keep up. That is your best bet.

Or let all the planning go without comment and then just fail to deliver child to ex on the stated weekend. Say he gas a fever or a twisted ankle.

Which mountain is it?

Prohibited steps order? Go and talk to a solicitor if you think your ds will genuinely be at risk. Climbing a mountain without any prep is dumb for an adult, taking a 6yo is just plain dangerous.

It might mean a miserable day for your ds but once your ex discovers 6yos are likely to cry, whine, sit down and refuse to move or need carrying, perhaps he'll stop being such an irresponsible tosser, turn around and come home.