CJ- If your wife is ignoring your children like this during the day your concern is very important. For the children and for your wife. It sounds like she's having troubles of her own. Can you find your wife some counseling back home? Something she'd agree to do to help her with her feelings through this long separation you to are having? It sounds like she needs a support system. Can you leave your job temporarily to come home for a few weeks? Maybe the separation is taking it's toll on both of you.
I'm sorry that website added some extra concerns to your list. I just hope you both can find the help you need to make things work out.
OCEAN*