Transitioning to the new custody schedule has been... challenging.
I sent an email at the start of the month to make sure we were on the same page about the transition-- accommodating prior engagements, organising any swaps required for special occasions, confirming pickup times and procedures etc. It was well-received with a co-operative response so I was feeling hopeful.
First midweek dinner... he didn't comply with the agreement regarding return of belongings. Sneered and told me to calm down when I politely asked him to return S3's things.
First sleepover... refused to handover S3 unless I met him at the front door, despite the agreement stating that changeovers take place at the kerb.
This week... we swapped the midweek dinner due to a family event on my side. He informed me (without asking if it suited) he was keeping him overnight to make up for missed time. Returned him 45 minutes late in the morning.
Next, I'm bracing myself to arrange the swap for Mother's Day in two weeks' time.
14 years and 9 months left of this...
Ending on a positive note, S3 is doing really well with the transition. He's talking about his dad more often in conversation, not saying he misses him or anything, but mentioning things he said or did. Jetskiing, going on bushwalks, out for dinner. It seems X is pulling out all the stops Hopefully he is trying to establish some kind of routine over there as well.
Hopefully he is trying to establish some kind of routine over there as well.