Having difficulty with dropping off
Separated from ex-spouse since March 2007. We have been in and out of court numerous time and have a high-conflict relationship with very little co-parenting.
We have two children: a five year old and three year old.
We live about an hour away from the father's residence. Because of the distance it was agreed we would share the driving. I would drop them one way and his parents would bring them back to school the next day.
For the past two years or so, my Mother-in Law has been acting as Third Party in the pick up and drop offs.
This has been going well, because I get along with his parents, so there is no tension and simply friendly banter when we see each other.
Unfortunately, his parents went on a vacation and will be away for the next two months.
I was never informed of this. Arrived at the father's residence last week, to find the front door open but house in complete darkness. The children didn't want to go in. Their father turns up at the front door and yells "come in." I walk them up the drive way and steps to the front door. I explain to him that we need to have a third party. He starts yelling and screaming at me about how that is my responsibility and not his. I ask him not to scream in front of the children. Our daughter gets very upset and doesn't want me to leave. She tries to grab my leg and he pulls her away. I leave immediately.
The next drop off happens four days later, the exchange takes place at the local police station near his house. But I don't want to have to drag the children to the Police Station twice a week. Is there anything else anyone can recommend?
What can I do to support my five year old, so that drop off is not so upsetting? This started before the Grandmother went on vacation. She's been upset the last three times. I have no problem getting her in the car before we leave. We talk about all the exciting things she is going to do with her dad. She even had a picture she had made him to show. She had no problem with walking up the steps. Its the moment when I have to leave her that is upsetting. She's never had problems before. In fact couldn't get to Dad's house fast enough. Used to wave me goodbye and hug her dad.
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