Every Friday I get this knot in my stomach before I pick up the kids from their mom's place. We're civil but there's still tension and awkwardness. Anyone else deal with this? How long does it take before these exchanges stop feeling so heavy?
Good that you're keeping it civil with their mom though. That's the foundation for making this work. The anxiety will probably ease as the routine becomes more solid. You've got this.
That knot never really goes away for me either. Even when the co-parenting situation is smooth, there's something about those transitions that just hits different. You're not alone in this.
I get that stomach feeling too man. I think it's because we care so much about the transition being smooth for them. At least you recognize it and you're being intentional about the handoff.
How long have you been managing the exchanges? I found that once we got into a solid routine and the kids understood what was happening, it got easier. Still gets me a little but it's better now.
Is it the hand-off that gets you or the anticipation before? Those Friday pickups are important moments even if they're tough on you. Your kids probably feel your care about it.
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That knot is so real. Every Friday for me too. We're civil with the ex but there's still that underlying anxiety. You're not alone in this. Does it get easier over time?