Feeling left out of family decisions since separating

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Advice forum

Ant82
20.02.2026 14:40:44

11

Since my separation last year, I’ve been feeling more and more like I’m on the outside when it comes to family decisions. We have two kids, 12 and 15, and I get to see them on weekends and some evenings.

Even though my ex and I try to co-parent, it feels like all the big choices about school, extracurriculars, and even holidays are being made without me. I try to voice my opinions, but sometimes I feel like I’m just being “consulted” rather than actually included.

It’s frustrating because I want to stay involved and support the kids, but I also don’t want to create conflict. On the other hand, I feel resentful and a bit hurt that my input isn’t always considered, and I keep second-guessing whether I’m overreacting.

Has anyone else felt like this? How did you make sure your voice was heard without it turning into constant arguments? I’d really appreciate hearing strategies or just knowing I’m not the only one in this situation.

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