The court guardian who is going to be evaluating each of us called today and set up an appt to meet with me on Wed. She wants references so she can inquire about my parenting skills, ect. This is a freaking nightmare!

I live with my brother (single guy) and my 16yo niece. Needless to say this house is always a total pigsty. Going to be making myself crazy getting this place presentable. Can either of these two idiots help me? No. Theyre both napping while I'm on the kitchen floor scrubbing on my hands and knees. Mind you...my brother is unemployeed, and my niece is on spring break. Nice to be them, huh?

I'm scared and nervous, and I hate my ex with everything I have right now for creating this mess. How he can be so cruel, heartless, inconsiderate, and just plain stupid is beyond me.

Don't panic! Yes the home should be as clean and tidy as you can make it. They will look at safety issues as well. Make sure you have good food on hand. Check with kids teachers, coaches, old neighbors for references. I think you will do just fine. If your concerned about your brother and neice might want to try and get them out of there. Also plan on keeping things clean because sometimes they come back for surprize visits. You are by far the better parent so don't worry. Always, always take the high road. Look like you are bending over backwards to allow your ex his rights as far as the kids go. What was his claim to go for custody? My thoughts and prayers are with you. Make sure kids are also clean and tidy. If you have educational toys book ect put them out so they can be easily seen.

Ex just doesnt like my brother. In fact they hate each other. My niece has had some emotional issues having to do with my brothers divorce, and she was hospitalized a couple times. This is all ex has to go on. Nothing to do with me...just doesnt want my son here.

I've been through something very similar before because our son is adopted. We did the whole social worker homestudy thing, so I pretty much know what to expect and what the guardian is looking for.

Its just so nervewracking. I cant wait for all this crap to be overwith. I just want to start my life and not have all this BS going on all the time! Why cant he just leave me alone?!?!?!

GEEZ! If he'd step up and provide you with enough money to rent an apartment, then his son wouldn't be there. I don't understand how these men think...OH, WAIT! They DON'T think. Hang in there. Let us know how things go Wednesday.

Chris, I have never been in your position and can't give you any advice. I can only tell you that I feel your anguish. Please let us know how it goes. We're in your corner!

I am sorry you are going through this. The flea always threaten to take my son away, thank god it has not happened. the flea knows my son doesn't want to spend time with him or big foot, and knows how much my son hates sleeping over. Hang in there Chris I will pray that everything comes out right. Stay strong and take care. Let us know how things went.

You ladies shouldn't worry about someone taking your children away unless you are an axe murder. You have sacrified everything for your children!!!!!!!!!! Don't worry it is inconvenient but it will be OK.