How would you handle the situation if your child was in trouble? The truth is: There are no right or wrong answers. And at the same time, partners may also have differing opinions on such a matter.

An indicator that you have contrasting parenting styles with your partner is that your disciplinary methods might vary. Yet, depending on a person’s personality and upbringing, each method is equally correct. But in these critical differences, you may jeopardise or fracture your marriage or relationship. Now, let’s discuss this further.

The Different Parenting Styles

The parenting styles are as follows: Authoritative, Permissive, Uninvolved and Authoritarian.

Authoritative

Nurturing, responsive and supporting parents are referred to as authoritative parents who can establish strong limits for their children. This family uses rules instead of making requests, and they act authoritarian. They will debate and pay attention to their child’s point of view, and they will use this assessment to reach a decision.

Permissive

Warm, yet inconsistent with rules, discipline and limits, such as bedtime or curfew, is how permissive parents are defined. A permissive or indulgent parent is also known to bestow minimal requirements and expectations on their child.

Uninvolved

Children raised in an apathetic home almost naturally can be described as “ungenerous, unavailable and unresponsive.” Uninvolved parents don’t satisfy the child’s physical and emotional requirements and are known to be bad communicators. Additionally, they bestow minimal expectations for their kids.

Authoritarian

Authoritarian parents demand that their children obey rules, and if they do not, they will be punished without having their issues addressed. While providing relatively little instruction about what their children should do or avoid in the future, they want their children to behave wonderfully.

The Pattern

Many parents will either do things the same manner as their parents or deliberately take the opposite route. For example, if they felt like their parents were too tight and punishing, they would decide to adopt a relaxed, carefree approach with their own children.

Partners must agree on which parenting style is best. Once you and your partner have made a decision, stick to your agreements. Additionally, your agreement will allow you to raise your child together as a team while protecting your relationship.

Parenting: What to Avoid

  • Don’t let a child pick a parent. For some youngsters, their family’s different parenting methods can lead to a state where they feel upset to choose one parent over the other.
  • Don’t get into fights. Fights put you and your child in an awkward position, especially when you have to deal with issues such as discipline, bedtime, curfews and engagement in your child’s life.

Different parenting styles can lead to differences in child-rearing tactics. Without cooperation, parents will have difficulty reconciling for the sake of their relationship. Additionally, don’t let arguments confuse your children, as this may affect them psychologically and emotionally. As parenting styles may be different, don’t let this issue cause a rift in your marriage. Communicate with your partner and your children before the situation escalates to significant emotional strain.

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