Thanks Marisa, words from the heart indeed. Yes, if at 14 Sarah trusts you and can talk to you easily and honestly, you must be doing something right. I feel for you very much with the week on week off thing. It would break my heart too. Your Emily sounds like she’s very sensitive to the feelings of others, yet she feels she needs to look out for her dad even when it’s hurting you, her, and your family. I always worry about the possibility of subtle manipulation from the fathers (I have 2 ex-husbands), and it’s Ruth’s dad who’s more likely to press for equal residency in the future. He’s taken me to court 5 times already to increase his contact bit by agonizing bit. But that’s a whole other sob story, lol. I’m a bit of a rambler myself.

Computer in a main room is a good idea, but we’re all computer hogs here. DH & I have our own, and Lola, and Ruth has an old one (not online) too. If she persists breaking the rules maybe I can rig it to turn itself off at 8.30 or something. She’s trying to be good at the moment hoping she’ll get it back tomorrow.

It’s nice that you have kids are the same age as mine. Don’t forget the baby buddies group. I thought it had gone quiet as no emails, but it got to 10 pages & they started again. Had to read for ages to catch up. I’ve been getting sympathy there for wriggly nappy changes and cleaning rock hard weet bix. BTW what does the L mean after DH in your signature? (Dear husband, latest? Lol). Does your stepson live with you or visit? How does he get on with the girls? Sorry, I’m a natural born sticky beak.