This could be because they are not familiar with other ways, they agree with their parents’ methods or they feel a sense of loyalty to it.

To avoid conflict with your co-parent, it is important to understand from where the other person is coming.

Take time to discuss your childhoods and expectations for your own child. This will help clear up any misunderstandings.

 

 

To parent as a team, it is imperative that you visibly appear to be working together.

There may be times when your co-parent handles a situation differently than you would. Resist the urge to step in and deal with it yourself.

This undermines your co-parent’s authority and sends a message to your child that you are not united. Children can sense when their parents are not synchronized.

Some children will even try to use this to manipulate their parents to get around the rules.

If you observe something with which you disagree, wait until you and your co-parent are alone to discuss it.

Sometimes it’s necessary to take a step back in order to be on the same footing.

 

 

 

 

How two people communicate greatly effects their relationship.

When having a difficult discussion, it’s okay to take a break if the atmosphere get overheated. Take time to calm down and re-approach the topic when you’re both in a better head space to tackle it.

Allow each other to talk freely and listen without interjecting, becoming defensive or placing blame.

Listen actively by repeating back what you hear. This shows that you are trying to understand and not trying to judge.

Instead of attacking each other’s character in an argument, use “I feel” statements. Try not to tear each other down.

Talk instead about your emotions and impressions. Accept that you two will not always agree and will see things differently sometimes. 

This isn’t necessarily bad. Combining different methods of parenting is actually more effective.

Each situation will call for its own special blend of approaches. Focus on finding a solution rather than on being right.

To prevent conflict, check in with each other regularly. Ask how each other’s day has been.

Discuss the upcoming week and make plans to share the parenting responsibility. The closer you feel to each other, the easier it will be to parent as a team.

Frequently spend one-on-one time together. Try going on a date once a week or doing hobbies together. Appreciate each other and say what aspects you admire.

If problems persist and they seem too large to figure out alone, seek professional help.

It is responsible to get help when it is needed. See a therapist together or individually. Differences can be turned into strength instead of sources of conflict!

Working together helps parents feel happier, more confident and more satisfied in their parenting and family life.

Raising a child becomes less frustrating and stressful because you are supporting each other.

Your child will learn how to build healthy, respectful relationships and as a result of your closeness, she will feel more secure in her family.