Ever get the feeling that you and your other half are endlessly repeating the same parenting mistakes? Here’s how to make some changes and work as a team…
Mum says ‘yes’, dad says ‘no’. Sound familiar? Your toddler’s brighter than you might think and once he’s learnt who gives him his own way, he’ll go to them when he wants something.
“It’s crucial to support each other,” says Judy Reith, parenting coach and director of Parenting People. “If one of you allows something and the other doesn’t, it undermines the parent who usually refuses a request and drives a wedge between you,” she explains. Present a united front and your child can’t play you off against each other.
“Keep each other right up to date with what’s going on in your child’s life,” says Dr Claire Russon, clinical psychologist from Vivamus Psychologists. “If one of you is out working all day, talk on the phone before the absent parent returns home. When you both know what’s happening you won’t unintentionally overrule each other.”
