Manipulation from a young age.

Thank you. I never thought of that.
Thank you.

You're welcome. Mitchum pointed me in your direction, as she thinks we are in very similar situations.

Thanks. Mitchums been a great help.
How much does it cost? Please

He's going through his teenage and even if this is not manipulation, this is a confused stage where kids act against parents even if they are together. And sons become more protective of mothers at this age.
Try talking to your Ex about this. This is the only way it can happen. And don't loose hope that he'll come around. Might take years but then, if he realises there's no mistake in your part, he'll come.

I agree with others,
could be manipulation
onset of teenagers
bullying at school
or he might not know how to tell you he is missing time with friends after school.

Talk to him, ask him "what does he suggest to make the time better". You might wait a day or two for an answer. You care for him and want to have a good time with him.

Maybe explain each situation like, "I want to see how well you do in school because it makes me proud."

"I want to spend time with you because you are important to me as a person."

The last time I heard stuff like that from my kids, it obviously sounded like my ex. But genuinely children were also tired when coming out because ex did not set boundaries for bedtimes. So adapt sometimes just chilling indoors and other times go out.

Thanks everyone.
I had lots of chats with him about missing him etc. But he's so mad with me keeping in contact with his school to see how he's doing, he hates me. I haven't had a text of him for ages and last time I did he would say..... Your not really art of my life.... I won't meet you anywhere because I'm busy. I got homework to do..... I busy with my family..... I get no father's day, Christmas or birthday cards.
When I did congratulate him with a card a a few both on his year at school, how proud I am of him, miss him, love him.
And never get a reply. Nothing. Its like he's washed me out of his life.

And spookily enough it's nearly a mirrorimage his mum had with her dad when he left her mum.
I've tried texting his mum, but no joy at all.
I'm not allowed to po round there coz she said months ago just leave us alone. Let him be. He's happy.

So now I have stepped back, I don't want to bug him (as he says) so I don't confuse him.

Just leave him alone to get a fantastic education. The teachers say he's doing great. It's important and I don't want to get in the way of that.

I've tried everything possible.

It's heartbreaking for me and I hope one day he gets in touch.

Oh yes. One thing he did say was.... My separated friends dads at school don't get in touch with them. Strange thing to say.

There definitely is/was manipulation, always has been.

So I send the odd txt, card saying hello. I hope one day he replys.

Chats