Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry OP. I’m in a similar situation. My husband left us for an affair and doesn’t want to see the kids much. I am holding everything together, working, paying all the bills, handling all kid activities. And the kids are being mean to me also. it hurts so much given that I am going through the worst time in my life and need support. I’ve learned, through therapists and my divorce lawyer, that this is normal kid behavior, unfortunately. The kids are traumatized and know their father is wrong, but are scared that he is going to leave them completely and not see them at all. So they’re on good behavior with him and don’t call him out on anything. They take all their fears and frustrations out on me because I’m the safe reliable dependable parent. It hurts a lot. I brought them to therapist, but they don’t talk. anyway hang in there and take care of yourself. You’re such a good mom.
I feel for you and your kids pp.
This sounds like my childhood story (I was a teen with younger siblings at the time). We lived in same town, nearby with mom. Saw dad via informal arrangement throughout the week and on weekends.
How did ours end? Dad and new wife had their own new kid, moved away, and eventually cut off all ties with kids of first marriage.