I am aware of not having any expectations. What do I say to her when she brings up my past faults. Something like I never check my kid's message book from school but I do now. She did say I have 'woken up' too late.
Admit that you were a poor father before and you are determined to not make the same mistakes. Thank her for "waking" you up. Tell her that even though things are difficult right now, you are appreciative that she made you a better father. The kids deserve that - they deserve you - and now they will have you.
Regarding the classes, try wording it in a way that makes you sound interested in the kids' lives and not that your approval is required. You can always go back to the line, "I was a poor father before, but I won't be making those same mistakes anymore."
Keep ramming the same points home when she questions you. Don't engage in the arguments/bickering/guilt trips. Smile...because you're better than that.
-PM
M:12y - BD:12/11 - D:6/13 - 4Ds
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." -MLK Jr.
