When Parents Disagree > NetSparsh - Viral Content you Love & Share

Home
>
Parenting
>
When Parents Disagree

When Parents Disagree

Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting would be easier if you didn't have to make family decisions? Having a partner that is not in agreement with your parenting ideas or discipline approaches is more than just frustrating. It can be a cause of division in even the best of relationships. Furthermore, how you handle your disagreements will have a direct impact on your relationship with your partner and with your children.

It would be great if every couple agreed on everything but that is an unlikely event. One partner may have been raised in a relaxed environment; another may have been raised in a very strict home. What is acceptable by one partner may be appalling to another. It is important to discuss with your partner what your parenting objectives are. Decide what values are important to both of you. You will find that some things are more important to you than to your partner and vice versa. Here are some steps you can do to work towards resolving parenting disagreements.

1. Discuss your parenting objectives. What is important to both of you? Sit down with your partner and decide what values are most important. Also what areas are not as important?

2. Talk about where your children are developmentally and what they are capable of understanding. Sometimes the reasons for parenting disputes are because one partner thinks that a child is capable of understanding something and the other disagrees. Knowing what your child's cognitive level is will help you to make better decisions. Do not compare your child to other children. You can use examples based on what they are capable of doing and not doing. For instance, if you ask them to get something out of their toy box, do they understand and go get it? If not expecting your child to be able to understand certain things may be unreasonable.

3. Find out what both of your parenting strengths and weaknesses are. Many times both parents want the same things for their kids. Compliment your partner on his/her strengths. Don't just point out your partner's flaws.

4. The majority of parenting disagreements are over discipline methods and when it is appropriate to discipline. One parent may think that spanking is the best method and the other may prefer time outs or something else. One of the most effective ways to resolve this issue is to talk about it. Find out the reasons why your partner feels the way he/she does. There are pros and cons to every form of parenting. Talk about why your partner thinks his/her discipline style is the better method. Sometimes talking about it will help you to see each other's point of view.

5. If the discussion gets heated, agree to disagree. Fighting about how to parent is only going to make the situation worse. Walk away, take a break and discuss it when you are not angry.

6. Plan ahead. Discuss problem situations you are having with your children. For instance, if you are having a problem with your child having temper tantrums, discuss how you think this should be handled. If you have a plan in action, it will be easier for both of you to follow each other's wishes.

7. Pick your battles. Some things you may never agree on. You don't have to agree on everything. Find the issues that are most important to you and work on resolving those first.

8. Do not argue about parenting in front of your children. This is easier said than done. The best way to handle a situation you don't agree with is not to interrupt but to wait till later and then discuss how you think it could have been handled differently.

9. Work on role modeling communication. If your children see that you communicate and problem solve together, they will grow up to do the same. Children often repeat patterns of their own parents. Look at your relationship and evaluate how you communicate. Is this the way you would like your children to communicate with their future partner?

10. Parenting and relationships are a growing process. The more you communicate the better parent/partner you will be. Learn from each other and listen to each other. Build on your parenting strengths and tackle your parenting weaknesses a little at a time. It won't happen over night but if you continue to discuss things with your partner calmly and positively you will become better parenting partners.

About The Author

Patty Hone is a wife and mommy to three kids. She is also the owner of Justmommies.com. Justmommies is an online community for mommies to make friends and find support. Please visit Justmommies at http://www.justmommies.com.

[email protected]

In The News:

How one parent helped change the conversation around parenting with a disability ABC LifeOver the past two months, the series We've Got This has broken down barriers and challenged the misconceptions around parenting with disability.

PARENTING: Gratitude yields health and social benefits Sarasota Herald-TribuneWith Thanksgiving having passed, we may want a jump start on our New Year's resolutions. Research shows such a long list of health and social benefits that ...

The Most Pointless Parenting Advice I've Received From Strangers In Public RomperBeing a parent is hard. With the best preparation and resources and support, it's still a series of fumbling through until you sort of find your groove. And even that ...

The Importance of Parenting William Clarence Education'The most influential of all educational factors is the conversation in a child's home ' William Temple.

Should Ohio divorce courts follow same standard in setting shared parenting? The Columbus DispatchIdeally, couples who are separating or divorcing come up with a parenting-time schedule agreeable to all parties. But when they don't, Ohio judges might turn to ...

When parenting styles collide, what does it mean for your relationship? KidspotWhat do you do when you don't agree on even the basic stuff?

Coast Line: Triple P Parenting seminar set Dec. 10 in Watsonville Santa Cruz SentinelTriple P Parenting will teach the seminar “Raising Confident, Competent Children” from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday at the La Manzana Community Resources, 18 W.

Family: The Parenting Traps Richmond magazineThere's nothing like the magic of the holiday season with little ones. Each twinkling light is a little more magical. Each carol sounds a little lovelier, every cup of ...

Parenting praised after young girl writes touching apology letter to the police Warrington GuardianTHE parents of an eight-year-old child who ran away from home but then wrote a letter to the police apologising have been praised online for their…

Report questions inequities in Ohio parenting plans; standards debated Massillon IndependentThose standard, or default plans, vary widely by county. And too many of them — in more than 60 of 88 counties — reflect outdated approaches.

What causes breathing problems in newborns and kids? The Indian ExpressBy Dr Arvind Shenoi and Dr Meghna Manocha. Advertising. Breathing problems in children are the single most important reason for children to be hospitalised, ...

Dad's viral bullying punishment is 'public humiliation,' parenting experts say InformNNYFrom inside his car, Cox explains his daughter has been kicked off her school bus in Swanton, Ohio, twice this year for bullying. Cox says she told him he would ...

Dear Care and Feeding: My Parents Constantly Indulge My 2-Year-Old’s Vices SlateCare and Feeding is Slate's parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Email [email protected] or post it in the Slate Parenting ...

[PHOTO] 'Orville' Season 2 First Look: Isaac & Claire, Parenting Tips TVLineHaving previously suggested that vaporizing Claire's children could tame the restless youths (and good), The Orville's Isaac seems to be offering a more ...

Parenting: should you raise independent children the 'Swiss' way? The Local SwitzerlandWhen a ten-year-old boy went missing for a couple of hours in Basel in November his mother was quick to post a photo and a plea for help on the Basel Expat ...

Human Rights Day: 5 world movies to watch with kids The Indian ExpressHuman Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10. On this day, watch these movies with your kids to sensitise and inspire in them virtues and ...

Formula versus breast milk: What your baby should have and when The Indian ExpressBy Dr Seema Khanna. Advertising. Milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborns. Breast milk offers health benefits to a mother and her child. It benefits the ...

Uwanziga shares tips on parenting in new book The New TimesUwanziga during the launch of her book 'The Incredible Ways of Parenting You Always Wanted to Know' in The Hague, Netherlands. Courtesy.

Hamish Blake: parenting book Raising Girls KidspotThe Blakes seem like pretty good parents. Here's where they get their advice.

PARENTING: What does gratitude look like? Sarasota Herald-TribuneHaving celebrated Thanksgiving, this is the time of year when our nation starts paying attention to gratitude. We ask our kids to count their blessings and think of ...

How mediocre parenting keeps me sane over the holidays The Week Magazine"We have come to banish darkness," begins a popular Hebrew children's song for the holiday. Once day turns to night, earlier and chillier than a mere few weeks ...

How parenting affects antisocial behaviors in children EurekAlertLess parental warmth and more harshness in the home environment can affect how aggressive children become and whether they lack empathy and a moral ...

Parenting in a migrant caravan: Children hit hardest by strife UPI NewsThe hardest hit by the strain of the migrant caravan are the children, unaware of the magnitude of their journey and unable to keep up with its physical demands.

Take time out to enjoy the parenting process The NationalIn between the worry, frustration and sleepless nights, being a parent can also be fun.

Who Is Toodles? Answering One Of The Great Parenting Questions Of Our Time RomperSince becoming a parent, I've been besieged with profound questions about the universe: how does one teach a toddler the meaning of consent? How, exactly ...

An app for making parenting easier QuartzAn app has arrived that focuses on parent's well being, not being better parents.

The top 'experience gifts' to give children this holiday season CTV NewsInstead of the usual toys and clothing, parenting experts are encouraging families to give the gift of experiences to create lasting memories with their children.

The challenge of parenting in a migrant caravan The Conversation - CanadaThe psychological health of migrant children will be deeply impacted by their flight from gang violence, and the experience of crowded unhygienic conditions ...

PARENTING: Helping kids manage relationships Sarasota Herald-TribuneOur relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives. Great relationships with our family, at work, at school and in the community usually translate ...

Less Is More in Swim Parenting SwimSwamYour kids will be happy, well-adjusted, self-sufficient and swim about the same or better than if you are overly involved.

Ryan Reynolds says that parenting has made him a better person: 'I sort of miss being horrible' INSIDERThe "Deadpool" star, who has been married to Blake Lively since 2012, opened up about parenting during an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Opinion: Don't like kids? Then stop chasing the parenting dollar NewshubAnother week, another story about a cafe manager getting upset at crying babies, writes Emily Writes.

Resolve to never use corporal punishment | Parenting With Pete NJ.comSpanking children crosses a threshold that permits violence against children even if that violence is minimal.

Parenting Education Project to be Expanded Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information ServiceMinister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, says the Parenting Education Project will be expanded to reach more ...

Mandy McCracken on parenting with disability and her 'wonderfully exciting' future ABC NewsIn 2013, Mandy McCracken was a self-described "stay-at-home mum" with three daughters under the age of 10, when she got a blood infection. It led to sepsis, ...

Ant Middleton's SAS guide to surviving parenting HeartParents with young kids might want to take some tough love advice from SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ant Middleton.

Eliza Hull on parenting with a disability ABC LifeEliza Hull has spoken with other parents with a disability for her audio series We've Got This.

Timeouts are a dated and ineffective parenting strategy. So what’s a good alternative? The Spokesman-ReviewParenting experts have criticized the timeout technique in recent years, saying that it might neglect a child's emotional needs. Most experts agree that ...

There must be a place in DNA for good parenting too The Boston GlobeRe “Childhood trauma takes root in your DNA” by Kelly Kasulis (Ideas, Nov. 25): Where are the studies on how thoughtful, compassionate child-rearing also ...

A child needs both parents, believes single mom Suchitra Krishnamoorthi The Indian ExpressSinger Suchitra Krishnamoorthi firmly believes that a child undoubtedly needs both parents to evolve into a warm, secure person. "It needs constant effort and a ...

The parenting years haven’t flown by, actually. But here’s why I’m glad. Washington PostI wouldn't trade these heavy-duty parenting years because they've changed all of us, and made us who we are.

Harsh parenting can be buffered by warm relationships with teachers, peers Channel NewsAsia(Reuters Health) - - Children whose parents often threaten and criticize them are more likely to become defiant and aggressive, research shows.

The Only 15 Best Parenting Books Worth Your Money GoodHousekeeping.comIf the idea of raising a kid without some guidance seems daunting, these parenting books will get you through. These best books for new moms and dads will ...

Parenting Crisis Sends China's Moms and Dads Back to School Sixth ToneSHANDONG, East China — Huang Wenjuan never thought there was anything wrong with her approach to parenting until her teenage daughter stormed out of ...

Perhaps bad parenting was involved in shooting death of 7-year-old Baltimore SunWe need to look at the parents in the killing of 7-year-old Taylor Hayes.

Never Look Too Good Or Talk Too Smart--Part II--Parenting Superpower ForbesWho would you rather follow: someone who pretends to be perfect (when you know they're not), or someone who's made the same kinds of mistakes you ...

New urban parenting: Are 24-hour care homes the answer? The ObserverI found my baby [then] five months old with a clot in the eye. Five months! At five months, a child cannot talk, cannot really do something harmful to the maid but I ...

The Value Perspective: Five things parenting and investing have in common www.professionaladviser.comNew and impending arrivals on The Value Perspective team - at home rather than at work - have prompted some discussion on the similarities between good ...

Reese Witherspoon's tough love approach to parenting ABC NewsWhen it comes to parenting, Reese Witherspoon believes in full transparency.

Spend quality time with your children to make them feel secure The Indian ExpressBy Pooja Duggal. Advertising. Children need your time and emotional presence more than anything else. Here is why it's important to spend quality time with ...

Parenting By Nature more than just child's play BarrieTodayParenting By Nature is located on Cedar Pointe Drive.

Dad sings ballad of regret over his parenting Detroit Free PressToday, our son is very successful, but, just like me, it is go, go, go – he is always at work.

On Parenting: Meghan Leahy took your questions about parenting Washington PostMeghan Leahy, a parenting coach with Positively Parenting, joined On Parenting editor Amy Joyce to talk about parenting children of all ages. Amy Joyce.

Parenting Time Center opens all new Teen Room 14 News WFIE EvansvilleEVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - The new teen room at Evansville's Parenting Time Center is officially open. Mayor Winneke and several other community leaders were ...

PARENTING: Helping kids develop social awareness - News Sarasota Herald-TribuneRecognizing and understanding the emotions of others.

Can We Just Admit the Playground Is Parenting Hell? ELLE.comIf you're a childless person who is fond of the idea of children, chances are you have walked past your local playground, peered inside, and smiled. Who can ...

Alamo Bowl presser: Leach offers parenting advice to Campbell 247SportsMIKE LEACH, NEVER one to shy away from an opportunity to wisecrack or dole out life lessons, offered Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, 39, some parenting ...

How parenting blogger Olivia White cuts out unnecessary Christmas spending 9HoneyOlivia White, from House of White, talks to us about how she saves money during the Christmas period. Read ...

7 books to introduce kids to the wonders of space The Indian ExpressKids are fascinated by space and have a range of questions that may get difficult for you to answer. Here is a list of books that help you satisfy the curiosity of ...

'Panic parenting' fear drives women to freeze eggs Chicago TribuneTrying to avoid "panic parenting" — having a relationship just to have a baby — is the reason why many single women freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons ...

Indiana father writes book on 'Bare Minimum Parenting' WTHRINDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - If you're a parent, you've probably wondered once or twice whether you're doing the right things when it comes to raising your kids.

Parenting Won't Be Like Anything You Imagined. It Can't Be. RomperThis weekend I tried to sync my phone and I couldn't because it was too full of photos. Pictures of me, twice hugely pregnant. Thousands of pictures and videos ...

Parenting Beyond the Headlines Podcast #7: Keeping Holiday Magic Alive as Kids Grow WTNH.comNews 8's Sarah Cody and author Amy Alamar are hosting a podcast called Parenting Beyond the Headlines.

Proper parenting and child abuse | Letters Jamaica GleanerTHE EDITOR, Sir:Crime, violence and all other forms of abuse against our fellow men are heinous, and more so against our children. The situation is of such that ...

Parenting with a disability — talkback - Life Matters ABC NewsIn this episode of our series, We've got this: Parenting with a Disability, we take calls from those of you with lived experience as either children of parents with a ...

Event aims to raise awareness for foster parenting Leader-TelegramCHIPPEWA FALLS — An event to boost interest in becoming a foster parent is Thursday in Chippewa Falls.

Parenting tips for dealing with holiday stress KSTU FOX 13 Salt Lake CityThe holidays can be a magical time with great food, favorite movies, fun traditions and decorations. But the holidays are also a busy time that can be stressful ...

Parenting: A new series that looks at the issues parents face every day WZZM13.comDuring the week of Nov. 12, 13 ON YOUR SIDE is taking a hard look at parenting. Check out what issues and topics we plan to cover during our series.

Real-life parenting lessons from Malaysian mums and dads Malay MailKUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 — Whether you're a new parent learning to cope with the challenges of late-night tantrums or dealing with an angsty teen, the good ...

Serena Williams's Parenting Advice for Meghan Markle Is Super Empowering PureWowSerena Williams's advice for Meghan Markle will make every mom say, 'Yaaasss!' Find out more here.

SPORTS PARENTING: Injury or fatigue is always a tough call The Providence JournalWe sports fans love the gamers, the gutsy athletes who play through pain to help their team to victory.Think Curt Schilling and his bloody sock (not 38 Studios), ...

Fake it till you make it with parenting The Sydney Morning HeraldIf you're like me, living with the curse of perfectionism, the criteria and markers for parenting leave you treading the murky waters of self-doubt.

best parenting advice say nothing Stacia Briggs | Norfolk and Suffolk Lifestyle News Eastern Daily PressApparently, new parents feel 'completely overwhelmed' by the advice they are given by well-meaning friends and family and struggle to see the wood for the ...

Why DNA may matter more than parenting — and what that means for society SalonParents obviously matter tremendously in their children's lives. They provide the essential physical and psychological ingredients for children's development.

Parenting involves a lot of tough choices. Deciding to see the world, though, was easy. Washington PostThe past two and a half years have been a lot like navigating a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book without the luxury of flipping back to page one to see how ...

People share snaps of the hilarious unspoken truths of parenting Daily MailMothers and fathers from around the world snapped the mischievous antics of their little ones and shared them in a BoredPanda gallery.

Better parenting is in the cards UCI NewsUCI startup incubator helps doctoral student market innovative game promoting life skills.

WATCH! Will Smith's Sons School Him With Hilarious Parenting Advice BETJaden and Trey have some wise words for Papa Will.

Enduring Cancer While Parenting a Child Curetoday.comI've been experiencing weakness in my right leg. Specifically, my leg has been giving out when I go down steps, and I've had to catch myself to keep from falling ...

Parenting with Love workshop focuses on positive techniques Tahlequah Daily PressParenting with Love and Logic is a series of workshops that began last week at Greenwood Elementary School.

If you build it, will they come? Solving the participation problem for parenting support The MandarinOne of the best ways governments can lessen the impact of social and economic disadvantage on children is to intervene early and fund programs that give ...

Traditional parenting visits from Cree elders connect urban First Nations families with culture CBC.caWith 49 years of marriage and nine children between them, Cree elders Harry and Elsie Watchmaker have seen and done it all when it comes to family life.

Happy birthday, Sushmita Sen: 6 times the single mother set parenting goals The Indian ExpressOn Sushmita Sen's birthday, here's a look at how the actress is setting parenting goals as a single mother. Advertising. Sushmita Sen's adorable relationship ...

Meng’s mansions: inside Huawei CFO’s Canadian connections South China Morning PostTitle documents on two Vancouver homes, worth US$16.4 million, identify Meng Wanzhou's husband as Liu XiaozongMeng's current circumstances are ...

Top 10 parenting tips Philippine StarBeing a parent is one of the best feelings in the world. It gives one more meaning in life and happiness that is indescribable.

Forget Co-Parenting with a Narcissist, Round 3 Psychology TodayAs the writer of Forget Co-Parenting With a Narcissist: Do This Instead, and its Round 2 counterpart, I spend a good amount of time helping weary co-parents ...

Telling Kids Santa Isn't Real is the Smart Psychological, Parenting Move FatherlyPsychologist and parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson explains what parents should do when teaching their kids about Kris Kringle.

Different strokes: 5 uncommon parenting methods FirstpostIt is always good to be aware of the different methods of parenting to make a well-informed decision.

Babytalk: Parenting for Legends - Babytalk ABC NewsAre we spending too much time worrying not enough time enjoying how wonderful it is to be a parent? Shannon Kelly White has 'Parenting for Legends' to help ...

Parenting Matters: Plan ahead for a great New Year Sequim GazetteI know the next holiday is not New Year's. But you do need to plan ahead to make your New Year all you want it to be.

How to win at parenting: 5 ways to create happy learners The Indian ExpressIf your child makes a mistake, explain how it can be corrected instead of calling them out for not doing it the right way.

Full-Time Working Moms Handle The Majority Of Parenting Tasks, Just Like SAHMs MomsMoms truly do it all. And honestly, anyone who argues with that has never lived a day in the life of a busy mom scrambling to find balance among the chaos of ...

Parenting: Melatonin may help you sleep. But is it safe for kids? Charleston Post CourierAn estimated 419000 U.S. children now use melatonin, almost five times as many as in 2007.

26 parenting hacks every mom and dad should know Richmond.comEven on its best days, parenting is tough stuff. There's always some new mess, mishap or meltdown to navigate. We parents could use a little help along the way ...

We Care for the Holidays: Parenting Place provides child abuse prevention services The MissoulianThe Parenting Place has a history of providing child abuse-prevention services to families in Missoula and Missoula County since 1981.

This new graphic novel is a millennial’s guide to good parenting Hindustan TimesRaising Rihaan is a new graphic novel that talks of millennial parenting challenges, be it helicopter parenting or how to raise your child in a hyperactive digital ...

Parenting Week: Teaching kids how to navigate the kitchen WZZM13.comOne area that gives some parents anxiety is how and when to introduce kids to the kitchen.

Strategies for Parenting Kids Who Have Anxiety CBC.caWhen we are anxious it's not that something is wrong with us. We just need to learn to understand and manage it better. Here are strategies that can help.

The Robot Revolution Is Coming. Why Aren’t We Parenting For It? FatherlyTranshumanist activist, author, and politician Zoltan Istvan is making sure his daughters are ready for the merging of human and machine. We spoke to him ...

Abbey's Road: Perilous parenting: A two-year milestone The Newark AdvocateIt's been less than two months since Abbey re-entered that "dark and mysterious territory known as Parenting a Two-Year-Old."

When Parents Disagree

Parenting Parenting