You want your kids to be able to talk to you, so I think you defused the situation really well. If you hear of him doing it again, you need to confront him.

Keep to the subject tell your side of the story no balking or name calling etc the child will figure it out for themselves

How old are your children? If they're pre-teens - you did the right thing - if they're in their teens or beyond - they can handle the truth.

If their dad is a liar, they will eventually find that out. Be as honest with your kids as you possibly can, even when the truth is painful. They need this to trust you. Don't hide his flaws.

My of thumb is to always tell the truth, even if people don't want to her it.

Don't let him get away with it-it will continue.

It happened to me years ago and it happens because the other parent is afraid of losing the children. This causes both parties to use the children when they are often still fighting among themselves. The best thing is to ignore it if possible. If that cannot be done explain it in your words without damning the other parent. In time the children see that both parents have to be dealt with a certain way and they fall in line with this because they normally love both parents.

Depends on their ages, doesn't it? It's always difficult to ''cover'' for a former spouse. Try not to deliberately inflict your criticism of their father on them. When they're older....they'll see for themselves. I'm sorry this is happening to you...SUCKS!