It is sad hun but sometimes when people (i.e. the ex) want drama, you just have to ride it out you know? You're doing great, you're staying above board and you're loving DSS - sure it's frustrating as hell, but from here that seems to be annoying you, rather than stopping you, you know?

After November everything will be clearer, the courts aren't so hard on dads nowadays, she can't muck you about forever, and even if she tries to, DSS will quickly realise that as he grows.

You're fightin the good fight. I knew that your own kid visitation would be a good rule of thumb. SOmetimes it is REALLY inconvenient for me to have DD in the house (when we could be off doing other things) so XP can see her, but i always think of the pain i'd be in if i couldn't see her, and that cures me of irritation.

I truly believe it is possible to be broken up but raising the kids lovingly and well, without fighting or nastiness, but it can take a while to get people on board. I was really lucky, XP was hell for about 10 months and then he calmed down a bit.

How old is the ex? She sounds like she's about 14...

Bx