My exH isn't an A either but often doesn't bother to call them for a fortnight. He spent 2 and a half weeks in Tanzania this year climbing Killimanjaro for his own ego, something to impress people with yet when he had his sons for one whole week (the only time this year) he didn't take them away.
It isn't always about alcohol some men just aren't wired right.
Kids aren't silly, they do get it, shame they lose a bit of innocence doing it though!