My ex would do this - even with
school related events.
Some
of the other parents came to have a word with me when ex took them to a
sports evening at primary, and he was telling them that he had no money for
anything.
After that there was the summer fair. Very distressed
children as they wanted to go but their father told them he couldn't afford
it. (He was earning £2k a month at the time).
I emptied out my
purse and lose change pot to make sure the children had enough money to get
in and join in. The change that was left he gave to eldest the next day to
go and buy sweets for himself... In my
books, that money should have come back.
So personally, I don't think he's winding you up, but means it.
After that I did send the children with money when they were with him. He
felt that CSA covered the lot. And I suppose he's right, as it is all an
absent parent would be expected to pay.
Any birhtday party's,
child would be sent with gift and card.
At the end of the day,
if I hadn't paid, then the children would have been extremely upset. And
no, I could not afford it really.
That's a few years back now,
as he's not had overnight
contact for four and a half
years.
I understand your frustration.
Forum 
England and Wales 
Scotland 
