What are the best ways to handle conflicting parenting styles?

Navigating through the journey of parenting can often feel like steering a ship through uncharted waters, especially when parents have differing approaches. Conflicting parenting styles can lead to confusion and inconsistency, which can affect a child's development. It's crucial to address these differences constructively, ensuring that you both contribute positively to your child's upbringing. Think of it as a business management challenge, where the goal is to merge different departments into a cohesive unit; it requires communication, negotiation, and a clear strategy.

1 Understand Styles

Understanding each other's parenting styles is the first step toward resolving conflicts. Just as in business management, where understanding different departmental functions is key to smooth operations, you need to appreciate the values and beliefs that shape your partner's approach to parenting. Discuss your childhoods, past experiences, and expectations openly. Recognize that each style has its strengths and weaknesses, and consider how a blend of approaches might benefit your child. Remember, it's not about winning an argument but finding a balance that works for your family.

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Christine Anastasia, Ed.M., M.C.L.C.

Life Coach for overwhelmed and stressed women on the hamster wheel | I help burned out women prioritize their wellbeing in micro steps. 🎖️Recognized as one of the Top 15 Coaches in Boston
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Sometimes having different or unique styles can help to balance out what your child may need. Learning how to read your partner and know how to support their beliefs and goals while also leaning into strengths in areas that you want to model to your kids. Many of us have experienced things as kids that we want to re-shape, change, or do differently, all of that is ok and sometimes need to be processed and talked about so you find that balance and can get on the same page. Parenting is one of the hardest gigs on the planet and empathy, support, and compassion goes a long way. Getting support and building a village of resources can help to alleviate the feelings of overwhelm.

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Elizabeth M.

Copywriter, Project development, corporate cooperation, brand endorsement, chief operating officer and partner
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Parenting involves both parents. My style of discipline may be different from my partners. But, we both meet the same goal of raising a well-mannered child.

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2 Open Dialogue

Maintaining an open dialogue is akin to having regular team meetings in a business setting. You need to set aside time to discuss parenting decisions and address any disagreements away from the children. Use 'I feel' statements to express your thoughts without assigning blame. Listen actively to your partner's perspective and strive for empathy. This ongoing communication is vital for understanding each other's points of view and for making joint decisions that are in the best interest of your child.

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3 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries and rules is as important in parenting as it is in managing a business. Both parents must agree on certain non-negotiables, such as issues related to safety, discipline, and moral values. Once these are established, you can be more flexible with other aspects of parenting. Consistency between parents on these core issues provides a stable environment for children, who thrive when they know what to expect from both caregivers.

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4 Compromise Often

Compromise is a powerful tool in resolving conflicts, whether in the boardroom or the living room. When you encounter a parenting disagreement, look for a middle ground that incorporates elements of both styles. This might mean alternating between different approaches or finding a new strategy altogether. The key is to prioritize your child's well-being over the need to stick rigidly to your individual preferences. Compromising also models healthy conflict resolution for your child.

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5 Seek Support

Sometimes, seeking support from a neutral third party can be as beneficial as consulting a business advisor when facing management issues. If you're struggling to reconcile conflicting parenting styles, consider talking to a family therapist or counselor. They can provide professional guidance and help you develop strategies to work together more effectively. Remember, it's okay to ask for help; doing so can strengthen your family unit and ensure that your child receives the best possible upbringing.

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Alheri Lawan

SEO Specialist | E-Commerce Manager | CEO- alpeps.com | Digital Marketer | Writer | Psychologist | Counselor | Public Speaker
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When you have tried your best and it doesn’t seem to work, don’t give up. Seek professional help. There are professional counselors and therapist out there who are willing to support you. It is not the end of the world when you face difficulties, cheer up, pick up your phone and make that call now, you are one step away from your breakthrough. Cheers

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6 Stay United

Staying united in front of your children is crucial, much like presenting a united front during a company crisis. Even if you disagree behind closed doors, it's important to support each other's decisions in the presence of your children. This reinforces the notion that you are a team and provides a sense of security for your child. When you show mutual respect and back each other up, you send a powerful message about the strength of your partnership and the importance of family unity.

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Christine Anastasia, Ed.M., M.C.L.C.

Life Coach for overwhelmed and stressed women on the hamster wheel | I help burned out women prioritize their wellbeing in micro steps. 🎖️Recognized as one of the Top 15 Coaches in Boston
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We all come from unique backgrounds, experiences, and homes and that infiltrates the way we see and view the world in our parenting experience. Some of that is learned and we often have to "unlearn" what we want to foster in our own children. We have tried where possible to stay united in decisions as we present to our children and have an open dialogue on what we may be seeing, experiencing, and noticing as each of our three kids are different with different needs and styles. Of recent, the journey of learning how to regulate yourself as an adult is a big tool that we feel helps both ourselves and our kids. Being able to openly express, acknowledge our feelings, and show and model this to our kids is shaping them as they develop.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best ways to handle conflicting parenting styles?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Styles

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Boundaries

4 Compromise Often

5 Seek Support

6 Stay United

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Management

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What are the best ways to handle conflicting parenting styles?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Styles

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Boundaries

4 Compromise Often

5 Seek Support

6 Stay United

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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