Michelle: I totally agree with what Nicole wrote. I was divorced in 2009. Our daughter is 27 now. He got drunk on several occasions and bad mouthed me to our daughter. She typed it on her laptop and questioned me. I told her he was drunk. My brother has helped out when it comes to our daughter, giving advice. My heart goes out to you. I got alimony for a while because of my back issues - wondering if you are, too. It is a good idea to shop at thrift shops and visit your local food pantry since money is tight. I text my ex when it concerns our daughter or when a family member dies. It is better to have minimal contact with these bully types and when your teen son turns 18 I recommend having less contact so your feelings don't get hurt. Many posters on this forum only contact their ex's when it concerns the kids or something urgent. Best wishes. What you are experiencing is called "parental alienation". Other posters on this forum have experienced it and the former spouse turns the kids away from the ex wife for no good reason other than to pump up their egos and abuse.