Going straight forward...antlers 5th thread.

[antlers]

"So this works for when you want to take time off at the end of the month. I will be glad to let you have the kids then. We are splitting the kids 7 days out of 14 just like we agreed. Just trying to be flexible and coordinate schedules in advance. I would like to have the kids during ________ and you can have them during __________ when you have vacation. If you are not taking vacation then we can keep the regular schedule. I am going to request the time off for me then. This would be good for the kids. Those are my plans."


If she tries to push it back on you about you having them on your days off just say, "Me having the kids on days off is irrelevant, this is a part of 50/50 custody agreement which I am happy to agree with. Sorry you feel that way." Then exit. Don't take the bait. This is the reality of what she asked for, these are consequences. She doesn't have to go along with what you want either if it's not part of the agreeement so don't get upset if she says no.

Hey Coach!
Thank you so much for helping. This is what I've sent her...

"So this works for you when you can take time off at the end of
the month. I'm happy to let you have the kids then. Just trying to be flexible
and coordinate schedules in advance, and communicate clearly. I would like to
have the kids during this time when I have vacation and you can have them when
you have vacation. We each have the kids every 7 out of 14 days just like we
agreed...50/50. I'm requesting this time off. It'll be good for the kids.
Those are my plans. I will always work with you in good faith."


And this is what I got back from her...

"Yeah real good faith and 50/50...you took them almost two weeks the end of June,
you're taking vacation the last week of July, and now this time in August.
Doesn't sound like 50/50 to me. And as I always remember and will remind you,
you've never been a 50/50 person with me...it's always been more one side than
the other, in every situation. And just to let you know, they have back to
school registration and Camp Turning Point during this time so they will not be
able to go anywhere. You are so selfish and always trying to make yourself look
better than me. You've done it for 18 years and you continue to do it. Call it
what you want, but I see it for what it is and so do others."


I have no vacation scheduled for the end of July...I did, but I canceled it because she wanted to take the kids somewhere during that time. And even if I did have vacation during the end of July, which I don't, what difference would it make since she is taking the kids somewhere during that time?

Anyway, could you folks help me with a response to this last E-mail of hers?



ps - these E-mails and texts of mine have been completely different than the way I used to communicate with her in the past.