Sorry Hun (((Hugs)))

ok Sweetie hang in there!

As a word of caution....you might want to check with your STBX to compare stories before you make assumptions that he is sending them to you because you won't say no to money requests.

I have some experience here...

I would suggest you all sit down and have a discussion to discuss who is responsible for what expenses where entertainment is concerned for the kids during the time each of you has the kids.

I dated a guy for 4 years who had 2 teenagers, one boy, one girl. He paid his ex damn good money each month in child support exactly for this type of situation as well as clothing, etc. The teenagers were going to each parent and asking for money, ending up with double the funds for activities and entertainment. Much of it ended up paying for alchohol and drugs.

Kids can became experts of manipulation in matters of divorce and if you don't handle this situation right now, problems will only magnify. Trust me on this one.

I am not saying your kids are doing that right now, but it is important to be aware of the true facts and not make unfair assumptions.

Wishing you well.

Sounds to me like the kids are playing mom against dad & visa-versa

Are you perpetuating this situation by being the one who rolls over and he knows it? You and your girls have a great opportunity to explore his responsibilities and help them see that he is not living up them, and you can show them how, perhaps in a non-threatening and non-abusive way, to assert their rights to the FAMILY money. Even you are divorced, collectively you are still a family and all money earned is family money not hers or his. Since he is hanging on to his, he is not living up to his responsibilities. Do you believe that your girls need to see that and that they need to deal with it?

i know the things we do for our kids. but when they are with him, he should be responsible for their activities and the money to pay for them. you have to be strong and say no.

I'm back. I know my girls aren't playing me because he takes it as far as not feeding them dinner two nights a week they come home at 8pm. Why you ask because he pays me child support and I should be providing everything!

My Ex will bring home the girls late... no food.. ..last meal would be lunch....
and before the divorce he complained about my folks all the time.. but he made sure he dropped off HIS KIDS there for supper 5 nights a week.
when they go on roadtrips I pack a lunch and snacks for them cos I know he will not feed them.
He buys designer clothes for himself.. and buys used clothing for the kids... used shoes too.. the girls feel awful about the clothes.
I am currently wearing Crocs.. knock offs for $5 ...so I can afford the two new pair of runners and two pairs of new boots last week. My girls gladly do hand me downs.. just some things you just need in the rainy season .. like boots.

It just does not end.. my kids never ask for stuff... they know they will not get it... I am changing that. I am providing small extras now... a treat.. art classes, violin for one child.. they have missed out on so much... one wants to play soccer Dad said sure. but then told her it was too much....

sucks some days.