6. “Maybe we should talk about this later. Can we set aside some time?”

Many couples are helped by a “release word”—some agreed word or phrase that lets them both know that their emotional baskets are full for the moment.

Remember that you’re carrying out this heroic co-parenting work against the backdrop of your own pain. Things will be better in the future, but for the moment you’re trying to save your children while you’re also running on a pretty low emotional tank yourself.

Give your co-parent and yourself the gift of this escape hatch for when things get difficult.