Hey Shirley,

So sorry you are going through all this.

Ok- this is the way I see it....
</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
One thing he used to always do was tell me I don't have an opinion of my own. It was because my opinions were never good enough for him

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sounds to me like he wants " control "......
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He thinks he should have the kids more because his house is cleaner and he's stricter and has a lot of friends

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> sounds like " control " again- or else he would consider how HIS kids need their mother too!

It also seems to me he's trying to break you down by emphazing you don't have a social circle. WTF- does that have to do with being a good mother??? I have 0 friends and my teenage boys are quite balanced, dedicated and social people! IMO- it's the values you hand down that are most important- like--kindness, compassion and honesty. Those raise a great child- not so much if mom has so and so as friends!!

Shirley-- believe in yourself!!! You are not crazy for thinking the way you do. This mediator is only human, I agree with you that she should have said something to your ex about hitting your daughter- but perhaps she felt it was an isolated event and overlooked the absolute need to still mention how it's never OK to hit a child.

I think you are on the right path... try not to get discouraged. Look at the good things you got out of the meeting and let the bad things help you to learn/prepare for your future interactions with your ex.

Sorry I took so long to reply.... busy day yesterday.
Take care Shirley,

Mandy