I don't know your history, but you have a restraining order against him for a reason. Was he physically violent? Just speaking for myself, I would never return to someone who had been violent. That isn't something that just goes away, whether he is drinking or not.
Children deal with divorce every day. They will be fine. It is much better than living with an active addict or an abuser. As long as they know you love them and are doing what you feel is the best thing for them, they will adapt, just as millions of other children do.
It is obvious that you love your children very much, so continue doing what you feel is best for their safety and well-being. They will thank you for it someday.
