It is now so evident to me why I had to make the decision I did in July of last year. Had another bad night with my 11 year old son last night. He has no respect for me or what I have to say and will take no discipline that I hand out. He has to answer back at every opportunity and shows me such little respect. I know this is partly down to learnt behaviour from seeing his father treat me with no respect for as long as he can remember. I guess the situation is having its effect to and the fact that he is a hormonal 11 year old just adds to the problem. I am not giving him mixed messages as

Recieved a letter from the solicitor this morning.

"...... With regard to contact, our client is not prepared to agree to this taking place at the Contact Centre as this is simply not practicable. He will not be pursuing the issue of direct contact at the present time but still seeks telephone contact and we shall be grateful if you could revert to us in relation to the same as a matter of urgency. It is of course, important that the children speak with our client so that they know that he is still very much in the picture."

2 burning questions!

1) How do I honestly tell my kids that their dad

Spoke to my solicitor first thing this morning, which is an accomplishment on its own. Told her of the events of the christmas and new year period. I did not even have to use gentle persuation to get her to suggest that the application to the court was made for the injunction. She said that we would ask the court for a no notice order, which means he will be served with the injunction after the court has agreed it, he will then get a chance to answer it but the injunction will be in place as soon as he has been served. I needed to email her a statement of the abuse from day 1 to present time.