He really doesn't understand that this b.s. game of withholding information (something he accuses me of constantly) makes life far more complicated than it needs to be.
I disagree. He knows exactly what he is doing. He does this, using the kids, because he knows you'll question yourself when they are involved. As you know from experience, this man is a first-class manipulator. His interest lies less in the girls than it does in causing you grief.