My dad left us when I was 3, my older sister was 7 and my brother was 1. My mum encouraged my dad to see us. Each year we'd receive presents for our birthday and christmas, which we thought were lovely that Dad cared. Until I found out one day that it was actually mum doing it. My dad couldn't have cared less that we even existed, so my mum would buy us gifts 'from him'. When I was about 14 I wanted to meet him and get to know him. I even went and stayed with him for 6 weeks. It was the worse 6 weeks of my life, but I'm glad I did it now as I know what sort of man he is. My sister and brother have since learnt what he's like as well.

So if I was in your situation, I would wait until my kids are older, and ready to meet their dad.