Young couple in need of help

[Gardener]

Robx,
Great post, good 2x4s. I was thinking that even less is more. For example on #5:

5. "...No its fine we can take them and then you'll just have them for the night so I don't have to bring them back tomorrow morning." Tell her,"No." Period.

You'll go trick or treating and she will have them after that is done because it's her turn to have the kids (I'm assuming at this point that it's still her week to have the kids). You won't take them for the night so that it's easier for her and so that she doesn't have to bring them in the morning. You're not there to make it easier for her, she isn't making anything easy on you. Tell her you would rather just stick to the agreement, she can bring them to you when she is supposed, making exceptions here & there just leads to messy things afterwards, "well I took them when it was your turn to have them, etc.". Just stick to the agreement, it's something you will both have to get used to.