I used to have that problem with my ex as well. A woman friend of mine gave me some advice that worked just great for me. She told me to say hello to my ex-wife when she answered the phone, ask her how things were going, make some small talk about the weather or something and THEN ask if there was a kid around I could speak to. This got me lots more telephone time with my kids.

I've tried everything with my ex-wife, but she hates me so much that she'd rather see the kids have no father than cooperate with me. I feel bad for my kids. I'm just waiting for the time when they're old enough to call me on their own. I don't want to alienate them because I know I'll never have anything with them if I do that, so I don't even mention their Mom to them when I'm with them. We have a good time when we're together and that's all I can do for now.