I'm happy you stood up for yourself! I really feel you should claim one of them. That way you can budget the money for when they see you. IE. $100 for clothes 2x a year, $50 each to decorate there room (new blanket, pillows whatever), $100 each for Christmas, $50 each for birthday/party. If your getting $2000 that would leave you a little over $50 a visit to do mother daughter things. Then you could use that money when you see they need new shoes, or daily thing they need/want at your house.

If they are old enough buying something small from each fundraiser, celebrating a good report card, paying girl scout dues, sports or spending money on food while on a girl-scout trip or on the way home from a sports event with friends. If they are younger diapers and wipes.

You have a chance to see that the money does go towards their "extra" needs. You only have a limited amount of time with them, they should not see you struggle with their basics, or think they can only ask their dad for things. They and you have a right to build a healthy happy relationship but that does take some money. Please Shield your children from worrying about your finances when you can.