[Hedgeleaf]

I've been separated nearly 2 years now and divorce has been very slow on my ex husband side.

My daughter is 6 and lives with me. She sees her dad once a week and is always angry at me when she comes home saying it's my fault he's gone.

I asked him to leave due to his drug abuse.

How can I make things right between me and my little girl?

[shezbut]

Whew, I'm sorry to hear about the tough situation

When your daughter asks hard questions like these, how do you usually respond?

I would recommend that you recognize how difficult this feels for your daughter, but explain (simply) that you & her daddy have some real differences that need to be worked on. Then, change the subject to her and how much you love her. If and when she tries to turn the tables back onto the marriage, stay gentle but firm on it's an issue that she will always have your love and support but this is a decision that you're firm with.

Is your ex still using? If so, perhaps the visitations need to be changed. While he may be controlled enough to not do drugs around your daughter, she may still be in some danger with him. I'd think about that issue very thoroughly....you've got to keep her safe.

[healingme4me]

My kids sometimes come home in anger. It's more because though their father isn't usually drinking around them, and I toss a big "usually", it's the mannerisms that go along with it. Parts of their visits are partially supervised as he might need a ride to the grocery store, sometimes stopping for lunch. They go watch a movie then I pick them up. My now teen sometimes is busy spending time with friends and cousins-that group of boys all go to the same middle school.

Hearing that it's your fault however, is suspect.

There's some great little books to read together. In time, she'll understand that living under the same roof as an addict is unhealthy.

[healingme4me]

Wanted to add these links about divorce and kids. Stumbled upon this screen capture as I was cleaning out my picture files. Hope it helps.