Playing Nice with Your Ex-Wife

David Eddie gives advice to a reader wondering how he can patch-up his relationship with his kids and deal with the ex-wife standing in the way.

Writing in The Globe and Mail, David Eddie gives advice to a reader wondering how he can patch-up his relationship with his kids and deal with the ex-wife standing in the way.  The reader writes:

I recently separated from my wife of 12 years. We have two children from her first marriage, age 20 and 18, and one child of our own, age 10. My problem is with my stepchildren. My ex never endeared me to them. Whenever I tried to discipline, give advice or help with homework, my wife was always hovering in the background. Our youngest has autism, so I have focused the majority of my attention on him. But I guess I’ve alienated the other two to the point that they do not listen to anything I say. The constant bickering and fighting in our house took its toll, too. All three children will be living with my ex.

Moving forward, I would like to be a part of their lives and have them know how sorry I am for how things have turned out. Right now, they are angry and do not treat me with respect. How do I mend my relationship with them to the point that we can be respectful of one another?

Click here to read Eddie's advice.