My ex will do anything to get out of having his children

[Jmead]

I'm really incensed today. Ever since my ex husband has been with his new girlfriend he has used any excuse to get out of having our son. As soon as he has the slightest excuse, he is quite happy to say 'you will need to have him'. I love my son (who is 13 by the way), but I hate that he seems to be able to get away with this. There is a maintenance arrangement and a court order in place, but due to covid, this all becomes a bit grey. I know that in his perfect world, he loves having time with him and the new girlfriend, but I don't think with a shared parenting system, he should be able to pick and choose. I know I should be happy to have my son all the time but I just feel like he's shirking his responsibilities and it's unjust.

Your son will notice.

And soon he will not bother going to his father's. That's what mine did, anyway. They realised their dad couldn't be arsed to put himself out for them and they gradually drifted away.

They would rather be out with their mates in their teens, anyway.

As a matter of interest, why is your ex getting to choose? Surely if you send a text back saying afraid not! It's your contact time and I've got plans what would he do?

Unjust... And heartbreaking for your son too! Have you asked him whether he has thought how his son will feel?