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My husband and I shared 50/50 custody of his children for the past 4 years. His kids spent 1 week with us and the next with their mother. We also have primary custody of my 2 daughters.

Over a year ago we began the process of taking primary custody so that the kids could stay in one school. They had been enrolled in 4 different schools in 5 years. We won the right to designate their school at the beginning of last school year and two weeks ago we won primary custody. Their mother will have 1st, 3rd, and 5th weekends. She already gave up her Thursday visitation and today we were notified that she will not be taking them for her 1st weekend visit for November. She is very bitter! When the decision was made by the judge, she brought the kids to us that night (it would have been her Thursday). She (and her live-in boyfriend) told them that they were not part of their family anymore. She also told them that she probably would be moving out of the state and probably wouldn't take them on her weekends.

So, this weekend would be the 1st time for her weekend possession and they haven't seen her in 2 weeks. The youngest left her a message but she never returned her call. Now, she won't be coming to get them tomorrow and we are very worried about how this will affect the kids.

What should we tell them? We won't bash their mom but a 10 year old, a 9 year old, and a 7 year old will want some kind of reason?

Ultimately, I know this is a good decision for their emotional and physical well-being. Her household is extremely unstable and the kids were terribly neglected. But, she is still their mother and they love her. It’s gut-wrenching knowing this is the right decision for them but knowing that they will be even more emotionally damaged. They have just begun family therapy to help combat these issues but it’s still hard.

Oh, man. I just want to hug those kids!

I'm not sure what to tell them - my mind just goes blank - but whatever the exact words are, speak from a place of kindness and truth. They are loved by you, your H, and your dds. You are their family, no matter what happens with their mother.

I'm so sorry for what they are going through. Maybe the family counselor can help you find the right words?

Wow! I agree with NIK, kindness and truth are in order. And definitely counseling.

I think it's big to let them feel their emotions...encourage them to talk or cry or yell if they want to, because stuffing this much hurt down cannot be good for them.

Love on them! Be there and listen and love them. I'm so sorry.

Counselling. They will need counselling. They are being abandoned by their mother, they need every support in place that you and your husband can provide.

I don't know what to tell them. But be sure they have every opportunity to talk/share and that they know they are unconditionally accepted and loved in your household.