(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Denise Richards is still learning how to deal with ex-husband Charlie Sheens difficult behaviour.

The divorced couple have two daughters together, Sam, six, and five-year-old Lola. The pairs split was acrimonious, with Denise alleging Charlie was addicted to pornography and prescription drugs and had been abusive towards her.

For the last two years the pair have got along better, although at the moment things are fraught. Charlie was hospitalised during a trip to New York with Denise and the kids last year, during which he also spent time with porn star Capri Anderson. He was reportedly found drunk and naked in a hotel room, and was taken to a clinic for an alleged alcohol abuse and psychological evaluation. Since then more rumours have swirled about his conduct while on another trip, during which it has been claimed he used prostitutes.

I think a lot of people are concerned about Charlie and my concern is obviously what becomes difficult is things become so public, Denise told Access Hollywood. I try my best to keep that quiet from our daughters because, you know, this is something I've never dealt with in my life until this situation.

I'm learning how to deal with it. Just keeping a lid on it for our kids has been my main priority. It does become difficult.

Denise, 39, is particularly upset about how the trip to New York went. She was keen for Sam and Lola to spend time with both parents together, and was horrified with what transpired especially as it was reported all over the world.

The last two years, Charlie and I have been in such a much better place and it makes it so much easier for our daughters, she explained. When we went to New York, that was our intention - to have a nice time with the girls. I thought it was great that we could all travel together and go out to dinner and do things even though we're not together anymore.

The events that took place after that, you know, it was... difficult. (C) Cover Media