Just remember that expectations can kill...good ones AND bad ones. If you expect it to go bad ? Then it will....
The deal with your children? That HAS to be between them right now. Soooo.....how hard would it to be to be in a great mood and upbeat. SHOW him that you are fine with this, and looking forward to an evening by yourself. Dress your best, look at your watch and tell him that you have to run so you won't be late. Let him wonder WTH is going on......Then go do something for yourself......
All those issues? They are HIS issues......
And even though they are children right now? They will get tired of having a playmate and gravitate toward you....You need to be the rock !!!
