I haven't been around very much. Dealing with a lot of crap in my own life.
I taught 5th grade for 3 years and I hated it! The room full of hormones got to be more than I could take. Girls were crying, boys were fighting...it was awful. I finally was able to transfer to 2nd grade and I am MUCH happier. I feel for you and cat having 9-10 year old.
I am sure it was hard to call the abuse hotline and give them the information on the mother of your children. It was the right thing to do. The 9 year old might have been alright alone but never be in charge of younger siblings.
Maybe a cheap phone would be a good thing for your daughter to have in case of emergency. I tell my students that they can keep them turned off and in their backpacks because I understand that something might happen where they need it. But the school has a no cell phone policy (I sort of fudge on that rule)
I've been thinkig and praying for you a lot Jeff and sorry to come in here and read about these latest developments.
Me-31 H-38 M: 5 yrs T: 7 yrs No kids Went to Prostitutes 10-1-06 Found out about OW 12-24-07 Bomb on EA/PA: 1-2-08 OW ended it with H "for good" 3-8-08 OW is back 4-19-08 H and OW tell me that they are in love 5-19-08 Filed for divorce 6-5-08 Divorced 7-2-08