When to say when???
How do I know when to say when? I am a mother of 3 boys 8, 10, and 12 and their father (who I divorced 6 years ago) is drinking again after not drinking for 5 years. At this point, it is worse than ever before or maybe I am just more tired of it than I was when I was younger and my kids were younger. I am going to school full time for my RN and working 40 hours a week 2nd shift. I don't get off until 11 pm. My A is not coming home from work and going straight to the bar 3 or 4 times a week. He never does it on the nights that I am off. But, he is not there to help the kids with homework, make sure that they bathe, fix supper for them, get them to practices or school fuctions. I have tried every approach that I know to make him understand what he is doing to our family but it seems like every time I open my mouth, I make it worse. I think that it hurts more now because we have had a pretty normal family life for the past 5 years. He cheated on me in the past but I don't even think that is the case now, just the alcohol. I want to leave but I know that he will still try to call me late at night or come to my house. He doesn't want to be with me but he doesn't want to leave me alone either. Then, I worry about the kids having to deal with the emotions that come from dad not coming when he said he would, not coming at all, showing up drunk or leaving them alone on his weekends while he goes to the bar. I need some advice from people who have been through it because my family sometimes pushes their ideas and anger on me and lord knows, I don't need any help in the anger department right now. I think I will have to drop out of school this semester just to make a more stable life for my kids. I welcome anyone's comments.