Single Parenting Support Group
Today being raised by a single parent is not uncommon. About three in ten children live in a single parent home. The most common type of single parent home is one with only a mother. However, single father homes are the fastest growing type of family situation; 60% growth in the last ten years alone.
I've been divorced 5 years now and our daughters' 16 birthday was yesterday (twins). They had a band concert and afterwards we went for ice cream. I invited the ex along for the sake of my girls and even bought his ice cream. I was honestly trying to make things good for the kids. Sure enough tonight on the phone he's talking to his daughter's asking them how many birthday cards have they gotten from Mom's side of the family. When did this become a competition?? I don't get it. I bite my tongue and try to do the right thing by my girls and he acts like that. why even try to be respectful if I don't get that courtesy?
It took about ten years after my divorce for my daughter to realize that her dad just wasn't in any of her early memories. He's just not there.
But...the recognition of what I went through, is horrible, because it's also my daughter's pain.
So maybe...give him the win on the card battle. You'll win on ice cream, on quality time with your kids and countless other things.
Believe in yourself. Sounds like you did more than "try" to make things good for your kids...that you DID make things good for your kids.
And that...they will remember in ten years.