He told me a while back that it was uncomfortable when he talked to them on the phone because they didn't say much. I'm pretty sure that's why he would rather they call him. That way, he would know they actually wanted to talk.
Without trying to sound cold towards him... His Problem. He is the parent. He is the adult. He has to reach out to them and be the one to form back a relationship with them. Not the other way around. He needs to find a way to get over his uncomfortableness and come up with things to talk about with them. Ask them about their day for starters. He can ask them what is coming up for them that they are excited or worried about. He can tell them he loves them. He can plan an event with them and talk with them about how they would like to do it, etc.
The bottom line is he needs to put forth the effort with his kids. He can't expect them to do what his responsibility is to do.
I know that you already know this. But maybe it will help to just have it reinforced by someone outside the situation.
Kevin
Me 36, W 37 M: 08/02/97 D13, D9 1st Bomb 02/08 Reconciled 04/08 2nd Bomb: 09/08 W filed for D 02/04/09 Separated 03/09 D dismissed 06/09/09 Still separated...
