Most parents intend to parent well together – presenting a united front, working as a team, in sync in decisions big and small. Most parents would also agree that this often easier said than done. Parenting on the same page is a challenge when you and your partner live in the same house. It’s extra challenging when you parent from different houses, or in a blended family situation.
There are lots of reasons for the ‘united parenting’ struggle, but at the heart of the issue is the fact that people have different personalities and temperaments, and we think and act differently. Also having a major impact is the fact that we come from different family backgrounds and were parented differently when we were kids.
There are a number of tricky spots that most families encounter at some stage. The great news is that these issues can be addressed. With a bit of effort, we can significantly improve the atmosphere in our homes (and these changes work in whatever family shape you find yourself in). It’s basically a matter of learning what ‘little dances’ are going on and how to work in sync, not in opposition. Here are some examples, with strategies for enhanced harmony.