Loosethread, I think there are differences across cultures. In the days of the family farm in the USA, parents would leave their 12-13 year old kids for a week or two, to go work remotely or do some work-for-hire. These days, though, it is neglect at best and possibly endangerment, to leave a child as young as 6 alone for more than a short time. In the States, anyway. Every community is different though.
Thinking about my situation a little more, I think: it wasn't an immediate danger to the kids. They were home alone, but when I spoke to them, things were quiet and calm. Thhe 6 year old put herself to bed, alone. This is sad, to me. And so unnecessary. (The 11 and 12 yr olds were busy doing their own thing. ) The boys stayed up too late.
To me it is not a major crime, but it is an unnecessary loss for me and for my kids. Why can I not spend that time with them, putting them to bed? I would enjoy it, they would enjoy it. It's been months. This is a rip off. I'm tiring of this. My rights as father have been denied. I can't believe she thinks this is good for everyone involved. One incident is not a major crime, but as a part of a pattern of denial of my time with my kids, it is a crime and a shame. Truly shameful.
M 43 S14 S13 D11 D7 Divorce final: Jan 2009 Making it up as I go....
