Queen of Swords

[2thepoint]

Hmmm, that is tough! He really should be spending time with the kids.

I don't think I'm familiar with your sitch so it is hard to give advice. Maybe just do your best when you are with the kids so that he sees how well they are doing and feels like he needs to get in on the action.

If you do choose to talk to him about it, then pick the right time/place or try a different medium (email) to tell him what the issue is. Be sure though to do it from as much of a neutral posture as possible so that he doesn't immediately check out. Maybe validate his feelings (as much as you might have to bite your tongue till it bleeds) in such a way that he begins to understand the impact his behavior is having on the kids.

Hope this is helpful. I'm sure there are other perspectives.