How to handle pickup when tension is high?

V

1w ago1 min read

My ex and I split about 8 months ago and we're still figuring things out. Pickup times are awkward and I can feel this negative energy between us that I know the kids pick up on. Last week my son asked why mom looked mad when I came to get them. We're trying to be civil for the kids but it's rough. Does it get easier? Anyone have strategies that worked for keeping these transitions less tense?

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Comments(3)

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JJosh M.Regular1w ago

Man I feel this in my bones. We're about 6 months out from the split and pickups still feel tense even though we're both trying. The kids can feel it too which makes it worse. Have you tried texting logistics ahead of time instead of talking face to face?

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SSam K.New Dad1w ago

The first year is the hardest. You're still grieving and she probably is too. Keep it short, keep it focused on the kids, and don't try to chat beyond what's necessary for logistics. It gets better after a while.

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JJosh M.Regular1w ago

Real talk, we started doing curbside pickup where I just wait and she brings them to the car. Sounds cold but it actually reduced the tension a lot. Less time to awkward conversation.

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