My ex and I split up a year ago and we have a lovely 4yr old boy. We agreed a parenting plan in mediation that we would split our son's costs 50/50 and that my ex would have him one night through the week and at the weekend on saturdays. I stayed living close by so we could share the parenting but have no family support here.
A year on and ds starts school in september and still won't spend the night at his dad's. My ex thinks it's too much for him at this stage anyway and doesn't encourage it. Also this year he hasn't been able to pick up ds during the week due to work commitments though does come in the mornings to drop him at the childminder so I can get to work early (and its in his interests that I do). Luckily my employer is flexible and I've been able to accomodate but doing the pickups every day is restricting the work I can take on and I was unemployed for 3 months this year, not to mention very lonely being home every night. My son also gets very clingy, doesn't always want to see his dad and I feel bad not being able to spend more time with him.
Should I give up on wanting him to do his share? It seems so unfair and I keep asking but he gets irritated or angry and is prone to criticizing and putting me down infront of ds when I stick up for myself. Makes me so angry. I don't want my ex coming round every morning. I feel like I can't move on and that he's taking advantage and being controlling. He won't consider mediation and I don't know what else to do. Not much left for extra help after I've paid the bills and can't think of anywhere to move to that would make life easier. Anyone with similar experiences?