There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12
You must remain alert or else when your co-parent dangles a hook, you are likely to take the bait and react. This can happen so quickly. When your co-parent throws out the bait, observe that it is simply desperation or manipulation. They know how to get under your skin. Yet, there are no excuses. W
e are totally responsible for the decision to react and swallow the hook or not. Unfortunately, our behaviors become predictable and self-defeating. How we handle our conflict becomes our own contribution to conflict. So, if you take the bait then you are actively fueling the co-parenting conflict.
It is our instinct, when pushed, to push back. But martial arts teach us that we must ignore this impulse. We can’t push back; we need to pull back until our opponent loses their own balance. This is called the art of the Side Door strategy. Throw you co-parent off with a different response-a productive one, maybe even a kindness.
Lord,
Help me with self-control so I can recognize the bait before I respond. Prepare my mind for action. No matter what is said or done, help me keep a positive attitude and not respond. Help me detach in these moments. Empower me with your Spirit. Amen