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Parenting

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Advice on co-parenting

8 replies

Heartbeatmum · 20/01/2025 00:13

Was with my controlling ex for 10 years broke with him back in summer after heard he had another girl. Have 4 kids to him, would rather they had nothing to do with him as he has never bothered with the kids but since seperation he is trying to play the dad of the year card

Turns out he has been with GF for 2 years behind my back 😡 how long would you think is acceptable to allow new GF to meet kids? Would you allow overnights with dad and gf or too soon?

All in all I want to keep my kids needs as priority no matter how much I'm hurt

OP posts:
canyouletthedogoutplease · 20/01/2025 08:20

The thing is, you might also rather he get hit by a bus when he goes out of the door this morning but that isn't going to happen either. Just try and remember that he's their dad, that's their story. You can't change that. Get some counselling for the controlling behaviour you've experienced, so you'll be less angry with him and inclined to seek justice behind the scenes.

Unless you have a decent relationship, I'd forget the goal of amicably co parenting, and settle for a parallel parenting situation instead. Get a court approved app, such as Two Houses, and use that for communication to keep the verbals to a minimum.

You need a child arrangement, and if you can't agree, you can go to court to get one, bearing in mind that it might not be what you want, so if you can arrange one out of court that you can bear, then that might be the way.

You don't get to "allow" what he does on his agreed time, or who he introduces the DC to, in the same way as he can't prescribe what happens on your time. If you feel there is a safeguarding issue that's different.

Keep your lip zipped about him, his GF, stay steady, loving and stable and truly prioritise them by keeping your feelings about their dad to one side. They are half him, and they know it, every time you slag him off you're slagging off that part of them too.

Heartbeatmum · 20/01/2025 09:37

@canyouletthedogoutplease@canyouletthedogoutplease

OP posts:
Heartbeatmum · 20/01/2025 10:05

Sorry phone died when trying to tag you and reply (only new to newsnet)

Thanks for advice, i dont slag their dad off to them and never will, he will either step up and start being a dad (maybe we just not good together) or they will come to realise what a dead beat he is.

The new GF might be good in the long run and nothing I do is to spite him, i am looking out for my sensitive boys that are coming to terms with the seperation and wondering how long is ok for them before GF involvrment? They are already dealing with so much change

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TizerorFizz · 20/01/2025 10:10

Would her presence enrich their lives? That’s the key. If she’s kind then that is ok. Dc won’t see a dad as a dead beat. Adults do but dc just like to see their dad. If he’s trying to take an interest, let him. Just make sure dc value you too. Shame his dead beat personality didn’t come to the fore years ago. Lots of wasted time for you.

Heartbeatmum · 20/01/2025 12:12

I think she may enrich their lives she seems nice and kind

Court has stated she hasnt to be involved yet but son arrived home yesterday crying that dad is saying bad things about me and not to tell her that they seen gf again

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HPandthelastwish · 20/01/2025 12:20

My DD prefers going to her Dad's to see his GF and their baby than actually seeing her dad.

Think of the GF as a friendly teacher or sports coach rather than the person he cheated on you with (he'll cheat on her in time).

Reassure your boys that they know the truth about you, they know how kind you are and how loving you are etc and to just ignore their dad when he says such things. Tell them you are ok with them seeing GF and hope she is kind and playful with them. Don't leave them feeling like they have to have allegiances. And you can't control who he lets them see on his time so making it easier on them is important.

TizerorFizz · 20/01/2025 12:59

@Heartbeatmum So you have a court order? I would possibly see a solicitor then if he’s breaking the order. However his personality seems the bigger issue.

canyouletthedogoutplease · 20/01/2025 14:15

how long would you think is acceptable to allow new GF to meet kids? Would you allow overnights with dad and gf or too soon?

You have a court order that references this? What does it state?

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