Context: -Ex and i have a very high conflict relationship. I am trying to keep the conflict down but my ex can't seem to stop wanting to start shit. She is a narcissist. -We are already divorced in a 60/40 custody split. She has 60% -5 year old son just got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and currently in hospital. My son will probably be there for two nights.

The dilemmas: - My son's mom smothers him when I'm around. She wont leave his side and therefore makes it difficult for me to interact with my son. -Additionally, she doesn't want to give me alone time with my son. I've asked her if i can come by today and stay the afternoon with him and she can come back in the evening and we switch. She said no because she wants to be by his side all day. -Unfortunately, my children have learned to code switch between parents. I have a good relationship with my kids but the kids know that mom and i are not on good terms. I can tell that the kids act weird or seem distant when mom and i are in the same room together. I understand how this feels having been a child of divorce myself so i don't blame him for feeling awkward. -My ex is obsessed with playing the victim and making things about her. Yesterday she was making all sorts of plans for inviting her friends to the hospital to see my son but in reality i know it's for her.

I'm asking for advice on how to manage my time at the hospital given the high conflict relationship with ex and everyone in her circle. My priority right now is my son but I'm unsure how to properly show up in this situation given the dilemmas at hand. Should I keep pushing my ex to give me space and alone time with my son? Do i just leave when she has visitors over that despise me and presents an awkward situation? How do I combat this smoothing because it feels like I'm just being pushed to the side? Etc. Any advice is greatly appreciated!