Personally, if W was taking the kids to school for their first day or not, I would be there too. However, my kids are only 8 and 5.
Maybe in your case, you could take the kids because they live with you and tell your W that she can meet you there if she wants. Not only are you taking responsibility for the kids, you are showing them that you are ready to take on the responsibilities left behind by your W.
I got all the various items needed for 'lunches' and 'snacks' tonight. Had the girls make a list and went to the grocery store. So, I'm being responsible and also a good dad.
It's ok if mom drives, she just drops them off. They are very independent as they are both teenagers. Not sure what W gets out of 'driving them' as they will reject her, not because of the situation - because they are teenagers. And since she is a woman who is afraid of her kids, she'll take it as 'rejection'.
I don't because I 'get' teenagers.
So, she can drive them and feel rejected. If I drove them I'd not really care when they bail out of the car and go - "Um, bye dad" and run off. That's what they do, it has nothing to do with me, it's the OMG, my parents thing. I'm over it.
She on the other hand is very sensitive to their words and actions. She needs them to validate her.
I just love them for who they are, don't need them to validate me. Why would I?
They are teenagers. I was one once. I still remember it so I don't take it 'personally'. I get plenty of love when THEY are in a loving mood. The rest of the time I take their 'assertiveness' as a validation that I've raised them right, that the have learned to be independent young women. It makes me proud.
