Uneasy feeling

Kim - posted on 04/17/2012 ( 6 moms have responded )

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My ex husband and I were married for technically 10 yrs and were separated 3 yrs ago and finally divorced the end of 2011.he moved to north Carolina (9 hrs away). Before that he lived here, didn't really see our daughters now ages 11, 9 and 7. Even now that he's gone he speaks to them once every blue moon.

Their father is supposed to get them for the full summer break but this yr he will only have them for a month. My kids have never been away from me for that long especially that far. It's driving me insane. I don't know how much clothes to pack or what other things I should let them take.now their dad is saying he wants them for the full summer next yr and him and his girlfriend are taking them to Disney. That makes me feel bad bc I want to be the one that takes my kids to Disney. My kids don't even want to stay the whole summer, they want to split it up like now.......guess what I'm asking is how do I cope w/ all of this?

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6 Comments

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Ginger - posted on 05/31/2012

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0

I totally understand the part about wanting to be the one to take them to Disney. I mean you have them full time and probably make a lot a sacrifice and such to provide them their daily needs. Well if you think it is safe for them to go, then you will be able to go from there. If you feel uneasy maybe you should go ahead and investagate the facts of the trip and details and you are their Mother soo you have every right to be involved in the details of any big travel your children may embark. Don't feel guilty about it. Knowing the details may actually help your worries by knowing that things will be ok. And if a red flag comes up you will be able to deal with it.
If you decide that telling them not to go would cause more damage and resentment then go get a day at the spa and some girl time in. You probably deserve that too. Just make sure they have a phone and can call you day or night.

StrongerMe - posted on 05/29/2012

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Girlfriends and margaritas. You also might want to consider kickboxing.
IT SUCKS. I am dreading this summer for the very same thing. My ex has the month of July (HELL Month). So far, he's only made it a total of 10 days, but he has a new girlfriend now. She works for CPS and she seems to be coaching him on The Good Dad Guide. He now "wants his time." the kids are 14 and 13 and less than thrilled with this new change. When they go to his house on Thursdays, I have to hear "I dont want to go" like a broken record. Which results in a broken heart.
I'm finding comfort in blogging. Check it out if you have time. http:stillmeonlystronger.com

Beth - posted on 05/22/2012

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38

Take it one summer at a time. Concentrate on this summer. Reassure your daughters that you will be a the end of the phone should they wish to call you - also look at creating a Skype (or similar) type account like suggested earlier so that they have another option to communicate with you.

At least they will be going as a group, rather than on their own.

As for clothes - as Louise said, look at packing 10-15 days worth of clothes each, then your ex will have to wash/buy new clothes. Don't think it is reasonable or practical for you to supply a month's worth of clothes for three children.

As for you - make the most of them being with their Dad, do some jobs around the house that you normally wouldn't get done. Also treat yourself to something nice - trip to the cinema to watch the 'latest' film etc.. In some ways see it as quality me time for yourself.

Beth - posted on 05/22/2012

548

38

Take it one summer at a time. Concentrate on this summer. Reassure your daughters that you will be a the end of the phone should they wish to call you - also look at creating a Skype (or similar) type account like suggested earlier so that they have another option to communicate with you.

At least they will be going as a group, rather than on their own.

As for clothes - as Louise said, look at packing 10-15 days worth of clothes each, then your ex will have to wash/buy new clothes. Don't think it is reasonable or practical for you to supply a month's worth of clothes for three children.

As for you - make the most of them being with their Dad, do some jobs around the house that you normally wouldn't get done. Also treat yourself to something nice - trip to the cinema to watch the 'latest' film etc.. In some ways see it as quality me time for yourself.

Shevaughne - posted on 04/27/2012

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You ahve one blessing in that it is not one kid on its own in that situation.They will be there for eachother and wil provide a team and a majority! ha ha! girls can be resourceful. just make sure that they know they can tell you anything even if they are threatend into secrecy. I have no idea how I would cole even a though of my child being in the fathers presence for an hour without me makes me ill and RABID. Pack the basics that will make them have what is needed and anything else he can provide! let them take one favourite thing with them so they have a continuity of belonging. How long is a summer there? ( I am in Africa and its summer pretty much well all year I guess)

Set up a way you can contact them where they can talk openly so they feel safe.

I wish you strenghth and hope it all works out. take care.

Louise - posted on 04/17/2012

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Your girls are old enough to understand what is going on and how worried you are. You may find you have to go and collect your 7 year old as this is very young to be away from mum for a month. As for clothes I would pack enough for 10 days for each child and after that he will have to wash their clothes or buy new ones.

It is going to be a long month for you but you have to stay positive for the girls sake. Tell them they are going to have a great time and paint a smile on your face. Keep positive and they will be keen to go. Give them a phone so they can call you at any time or set up a skype account so you can see them and they can see you.

Then I strongly suggest you dont sit at home but use the time to get out and about without worrying about baby sitters. Go and watch a movie, have a meal out treat yourself to a spa day. Just relax soon enough they will be back and things will be back to normal.