My opinion about Children and Ex's
I've seen the damage to many times to count:(
If you ask any separated couples that have child(ren) if they love their child(ren) they will say YES! Of course they will say yes for one it's the correct answer and second we would hope it was true. We all love our child(ren), it's nature. We love them, we protect them, and we want them to be healthy, happy, and successful adults. Me and my children's father are not together and haven't been since I was pregnant. I still went over to his moms every Sunday for lunch up until she was about 2 1/2. Sometimes my ex would be there alone, sometimes with a new girlfriend, or not there at all. I knew from the time I found out I was pregnant that if me and the father didn't work out then I would let her figure out her own opinions about him and THEIR relationship. I did just that. Never I have I ever talked bad or downed him in her presence. We went to all family functions and just like before sometimes he was there, there with someone else, or not. I'm not saying I'm a perfect mom because that would just be silly. No one is perfect and the sooner people realize that then maybe they will have the healthy relationships with their children that they desire. We all make mistakes and do things we regret. I know I have done some pretty stupid, petty, and childish things in my time, but when it comes to my kids mental and emotional well being I always try to make the best decision for them! NOT FOR MYSELF! Children are humans too and they have feelings just like adults. It's up to us as parents or guardians to make sure we take those feelings into consideration when making decisions that will ultimately affect them. This is a touchy subject I know because we do have parents who do drugs/stay in jail/abuse kids/etc. I understand those situations but again it's up to us as adults to make sure the child knows that that parent is just making bad decisions and it's our job to protect them. I do not believe that one parent should continuously talk bad about the other parent because that child is 50/50 each parent. So saying you look just like your dad one day and then the next saying how ugly or stupid he is is only hurting the child. Manipulating children, gas lighting children, giving gifts to get them to like you more, with holding from other parent out of spite, or creating jealousy between siblings are all examples of a narcissistic parent. It may not seem noticeable at the time when they are little but as they grow older they may grow resentment toward you, become depressed, and even not be able to have a normal relationship. Parents we can all do better including myself and I'm in no position to judge as we all are trying to do this parenting thing the best we can, but this is avoidable. Even if you hate the ex.... Love your children MORE! 
