Dear Lindsey:

“Ex is now not answering any requests via text message. This seems to be his new behavior…  I don’t think texting him about it is the best idea-I’m not sure“-

– it is a bad idea for you to communicate with him (and/or with Amy) directly, be it by texting, phone calls, messaging online, or interacting in-person. Figure out, with the help of Rachel, your lawyer and mediation, ways to communicate with him indirectly, through a neutral 3rd party, and ways to minimize communication with him.

“I agree that it is not a good idea to be a team mom with his girlfriend Amy involved“- choose (and minimize) your battles, being part of Aiden’s traveling baseball team is not a necessary battle.

“Amy.. caused some major issues in their family. I am wondering how to navigate this situation in the future.  I have to get all of this moved quickly with mediation”-

-Choosing and minimizing your battles include being concerned only about how Amy is treating your kids, not about how she treated her ex-husband and other people in her original and extended family. Talk to your lawyer about any and all concerns you have regarding Amy (and ex) mistreating your kids, and what you can do about it.

“I’m a sitting duck. No matter if I respond or not respond they keep coming“- this is why you need to have no direct communication with ex or Amy, and why all matters in regard to co-parenting need to be addressed with lawyer and mediation, and a clear co-parenting strategy put together in regard to all current and future issues.

anita