Replies to '09/18 The Dr. Phil House: A Family’s Last Chance, Part 1'

 I can somehow relate to this situation of  "Family's last chance." My exhusband and I have been trying to work it out after so many years of  an on-and-off relationship. I've invited him to live with me (again ) . We have three children together (ages18,15,11). It has been a struggle, but I can say that it has gotten better (no more throwing things at each other, no more cornering each other, no more talking in my face, ). One thing that we are having difficulty is arguing without becoming defensive, offensive, loud (although, the tone has come down to less than yelling and screaming, but there is definitely a difference in tone when we start to disagree); and we're still trying to rebuild trust.

Our kids were hopeful and happy at first that daddy and mommy are trying again (for the umpteenth time). And now, they are angry and hurt, scared that we'll revert to "back then" , and embarrassed because some of their friends are seeing this.

My exhusband has moved out and I do miss him. We will be trying to work things out but living in separate residences for the sake of the kids and also for myself  (that I stop thinking that he is just taking advantage of me because it lessens his own expenses).

Right now, I feel as if I've failed my kids again, that I am pursuing something that isn't really going to work out. I've been depressed, unable to sleep, and motivation to do things that I used to enjoy.


Any word of advice is more than appreciated.

alisasmom