It’s important for couples with children to present a united front. However, how does this get reconciled when parents have different parenting approaches? The key is not to work through parenting differences in front of the children but instead behind closed doors. 

When one parent comments on the partner’s parenting in the presence of the children, this parent unintentionally undermines their partner’s parenting. The message is that one of the parents is parenting incorrectly and loses some credibility in front of the children.

Behind closed doors, parents can figure out the art of parenting. When to be firm and lenient depends on numerous variables, such as the child’s personality, age, and the seriousness of the offense. Keep in mind that the better your relationship with your children, the more likely they will heed your teachings.