Just confused on whether I should allow him to keep coming and going with the kids - or force him to really feel what a separation is.
you have been seperated for 4 yrs, you can't force something now. How about come up with a agreement that is win-win-win? Good for him, the kids and you.
Wouldn't it be a 180 for you to get his input and work together?
M22,H45,W45 S21/18D12 Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties and at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.