Hopefully this is the right place for this because I need some unbiased advice! I (31f) have had a difficult time coparenting with my child’s father “Marcus” (33m) since my son was a baby, he’s now 7 about to be 8. Marcus has been inconsistent, unreliable, and disrespectful. Because of this I decided to go no contact with him for almost a year. Recently he and his family have reached out saying they miss my son. I had a conversation with my Marcus and although he didn’t take any accountability for why I cut contact, he requested to take my son every other weekend starting this month. Everyone in my life feels this is a waste of time because he’s proven he doesn’t want to be a father but I feel guilty and sad for my son. I’m trying to do the right thing and be open minded but I am very stressed about my son being with him. In the past there has been times Marcus wouldn’t let me talk to my son at all the whole weekend or has told me he’s “keeping him forever” and not bring him back. I don’t wanna hold these things against him because people can change I just am very anxious now. I know my son is too young for a phone and I almost considered putting some type of tracking device in his shoes but I know that’s crazy (his dad moved and hasn’t told me exactly where he lives just the area) I know this was a lot but has anyone experienced this or have any advice on how to not feel super stressed out over this? I try to avoid arguments, I don’t ask him for any financial help anymore, and I don’t expect anything other than him consistently taking our son. Is there anything else I can do to make things go smoother? Is there anything I should be telling my son? He’s very smart and mature for his age and will ask questions about his dad but I don’t like to say anything bad so I just give vague answers
Just to note we live in Philly and have never went to court
TIA