I've been watching this thread and thinking a lot. I divorced my first W because, among many other reasons, I thought I could be a better father to my kids without her around. I was right. I was spending way too much time taking care of her and her various addictions, including mine of being her martyr. Now the kids tell me that they feel more relaxed and happy around my house.
My X and I and my two sons are going to a C for the first time tomorrow. X was complaining that they are out of control at her house . . . it's basically because they don't respect her because of her abuse (she's a mean drunk), she's not consistent in her discipline, and she shows big-time favoritism to DD9 over them. Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. One goal is to get the boys to confront their mom about her alcoholism, but that's a lot to put on their shoulders.
I don't feel that, in my current M, leaving would be the right thing . . . at least not now. At some point, if the SSM doesn't improve, I may reconsider it. I just keep on HOPING...ya know?
