Parenting exchange conflict and lessons (not) learned

[ForeverDad]

It has often been noted here that conflict can increase during weekends and holidays.  It can be between partners, at child exchanges, and we have to be alert to such risks.

In the news from Lubbock Texas there was an incident Nov 5, a Friday, where a father was upset and demanding an exchange of the child at the home of the ex-wife's boyfriend.  He was asked to leave, he didn't, tensions rose, the short story is he's dead now. 

Lesson to remember:  "In your face" conflict can easily ramp up emotionally and lead to disaster.  If you have conflict, such as denied access to your child... step back, do not be aggressive, call the police to de-escalate the incident and if necessary resolve the matter in family court.  While it's likely the court may not award make-up time for past incidents — court never awarded me make-up time — at least walking away avoids disastrous outcomes.

[Turkish]

Good advice. I saw that headline, but didn't read the story other than the bf is claiming self defense.

[CoherentMoose]

Agree, good advice.  Nothing good happens once emotional flooding starts.  Tragic story. CoMo

[Turkish]

My buddy at work showed me the video. The father was manhandled and getting into the face of the bf who had a rifle or shotgun, initially not pointed at the father.  Once a gun comes out, is "yessir/ma'am" in Texas especially.