Child contact

[JustOneLastThing]

How do you sort out childcare when you work shifts? I work nights and days on a 24 hour rotation. If I'm not working my ex expects me to look after the DC, coming back after midnight when I have to get up at 5am to do a 12 hour shift the next day.

My ex says IABU to want to be in bed by that time, and has said they want to go out 3/4 times a week. They are hungover the next day when looking after the kids as a consequence. I am shattered and ill due to lack of sleep-I fell asleep at work the other day but luckily didn't get in trouble. I want to be there for the DC but haven't had a minute to rest in the past 3 months.

Who do your children live with? You or your ex?

If they live with you then unfortunately you need to change jobs.

If they live with your ex then you need to ask your employer for a more regular shift pattern - it could be bi-weekly, monthly or whatever - and you just argue that the children stay with you on the days you aren't working. Then give your ex your shift pattern as many weeks in advance as possible so the days can be agreed.