Divorced 1.5 years, share a 4 year old son. Split custody. 2 years fully separated. Previous with ex for nearly 10 years, married for 5.

Doing my best to co-parent with the ex wife. We schedule well without any strife and participate together in our child's extracurricular activities. We're both active in his social life and do our best to show our child a healthy relationship with each other.

Recently, I've seen my ex has totally flipped in ideals and political stances. It's been absolutely shocking hearing her speak to me, or seeing her social media posts about local and national political topics in the last few months.

Im not even asking for advice, or understanding from anyone. Mostly just venting.

I've become increasingly aware that the young man I've planned on raising is going to be hearing/witnessing/practicing very conflicting beliefs in both his parental households. So now I'm navigating teaching him what I think is right and wrong while not trying to discredit his mothers values and in turn possibly disrespect his mother.

I'm looking for advice and support from other divorced fathers who have navigated difficult co-parenting situations while balancing work, school, and raising young children.

I'm a father of two young children, currently working night shifts at a hospital while attending nursing school. I'm working toward finishing my RN program, and my goal is to provide a stable future for my kids while continuing to be present in their lives.

My mom has been helping with childcare on the days I have school, which is typically Monday and Wednesday. Unfortunately, she is starting radiation treatments around the week before Thanksgiving, and her treatment schedule will affect her availability for approximately six weeks.

My school semester ends December 9, so I'm trying to find a temporary solution that gets us through this difficult period. I have paid leave available through work and am considering taking time off, asking my ex for a temporary custody adjustment, or combining the two.

My biggest concern is the co-parenting side of this situation.

My ex doesn't know that my mom has been watching the kids while I'm in school. On the other hand, when my ex has to work overtime, her mom helps with childcare, so both of us rely on family support at times.

I'm nervous about bringing up my school schedule and childcare arrangements because I worry that my ex could react negatively or use the information to create conflict around custody. I don't want to assume the worst, but our relationship has made me anxious about how she might respond. I'm concerned that she might threaten to withhold the children or make things more difficult if I disclose my schedule.

She has an attorney, and part of me hopes that having legal counsel will encourage her to approach this reasonably. However, I don't know whether I should proactively explain my school schedule and ask for temporary help, or keep the conversation focused on the immediate childcare issue.

I want to do the right thing for my children, support my mom during treatment, continue my education, and maintain a workable co-parenting arrangement. I'm not trying to start an argument or change our long-term custody arrangement over a temporary problem.

I'd really appreciate advice from dads who have been in similar situations:

• Would you be transparent with your ex about your school schedule and childcare arrangements?
• How would you approach a temporary custody adjustment without opening the door to unnecessary conflict?
• If you were worried your ex might withhold the children or use information against you, how would you protect yourself while still communicating in good faith?
• Would you use paid leave to get through the temporary childcare gap rather than risk creating tension over the custody schedule?
• Has anyone successfully navigated a situation where both parents relied on grandparents for childcare but communication between the parents was difficult?

I'm trying to be thoughtful rather than reactive. I have a lot on my plate between nursing school, hospital work, parenting, and my mom's health, and I want to make a decision that protects my children and keeps their lives as stable as possible.

I'd appreciate honest advice, especially from fathers who have dealt with high-conflict co-parenting while trying to finish school or manage demanding work schedules.