Hi Dr. Meg,

I probably have more questions than I wish I had. I am going through a divorce. We have two daughters, a five-year-old and a three-year-old.

The current state of our divorce is that my ex-wife wants majority custody of our girls and for me to pay child support. She says I was never there for the girls, always gone, busy, basically non-existent.

I’ll admit I was not perfect, but I was around. I feel she is lashing out at me because of her past and to make herself feel more like the victim instead of the one that gave up on the family. She seems very lost to me.

My greatest concern is that of my girls. What signs do I need to be aware of, good or bad? Is there anything—more facts that I can use to show the importance of the father that I can present?

I work three, 12-hour shifts a week, so my work schedule is very beneficial for time with my daughters also.

I’ll take any recommendations you have! Books to read, anything. I do not want my girls falling into a trap I can’t get them out of.

Thanks for all the…