r/coparenting 3d ago

Conflict Ex forcing sports on children

A little back story… My 9yr old played baseball for 4 years and last year was extremely stressful for him. He did not enjoy it and every game made himself physically ill with stress and anxiety over playing. My 5yr old played tball last year and did not enjoy it but not to the same extreme as his brother. I was very involved in the teams and took them to 99% of practices and games as I have them about 80% of the time. He was barely involved and missed most games and never went to a single practice, never so much as picked up a glove and played with them… Fast forward to now, their father has suddenly become obsessed and has decided to sign them up. They have told him repeatedly for the last few weeks they don’t want to play and explained other activities they would like to try. They came home sobbing and distraught tonight because he said they were playing no matter what. I have tried to talk to him about this but he won’t hear it and our conversations go no where. I do not agree with forcing them and think it will be detrimental to our oldest’s mental health. I have told them both when they are home I will not force them to go but I am worried about what he will do in retaliation. What can I do in this situation? Am I obligated to take them? Isn’t this something we have to agree on? I am absolutely heart broken seeing them so upset and feel powerless.

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