Re-establish Your Own Authority Even When Your Parenting Styles Differ
By Jennifer Wolf, About.com

You hear it all the time: "Daddy would let me" or "Mommy is never mean to me like you are." So how do you deal with having completely different parenting styles without compromising your values or coming across to your children like you're always "the bad guy?" Here are some tips for establishing your own authority even when the other parent continually gives in to the kids or doesn't subscribe to your style of parenting.

Stay Calm

Whether your children are genuinely expressing a simple observation about your different parenting styles, or are intentionally attempting to manipulate you into giving in to their desires, stay calm and avoid getting into a battle over the validity of your expectations. Remember that it is not your children's fault that you and your ex don't see eye-to-eye on the parenting front. So instead of growing angry and frustrated, train yourself to respond in a quiet, matter-of-fact manner. For example, you might say, "My rules are different from Daddy's (or Mommy's). Here, I expect you to do your homework before watching TV." Remember, too, that your rules aren't necessarily "better" than the other parent's rules--they're just different.


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