I need help. SS is being told by his mother that his dad doesn't love him or give him attention because I'm around. Add to that - she's always been (and still is) an absentee mother and the kids have never had to share Dad with a woman. They've never laid down to watch a movie with Dad and had some woman want to be there next to him. Luckily, SS has decided he doesn't want me out, like his mom had hoped, but instead wants to be smashed in between us at all times. He can't stand to let us have 5 minutes alone and throws tantrums about it. Emily - I want to sleep inbetween. Emily - why did you take Dad on the wave runner for 17 minutes and me only 10? Emily - why do grownups get to stay up late without kids? Emily - why do you tickle Dad's back and not mine? Emily - even though you've spent all morning with me, why do you now want to be with dad instead of play checkers / watch star wars / watch me ride the 4-wheeler? He can't self-entertain and has to have our full attention at all times.

This creates a tough situation where Dad feels guilty about putting him through a divorce lets him cling. I'm not used to kids around and I need some alone time. Dad worries this means I'm just "tolerating" the kids and not really loving them,. It's constant tension where if I say I need a break - I'm being selfish when the kid is obviously emotionally traumatized in ways I can't understand. But I need adult conversation and personal attention from this person I'm crazy in love with.

Am I being selfish? Should I just be thankful I don't have the opposite problem where he hates me and never wants me around?