Navigating Parenthood Together: The Importance of Assessing Parenting Styles

Have you ever found yourself in a relationship where the arrival of a child was expected to bring joy, but instead, it brought unexpected tension and stress? Often, this shift can be attributed to the differing parenting styles that each partner brings into the dynamic. In this article, we'll explore the significance of assessing and understanding parenting styles for a more harmonious and united approach to raising children.

Insight:

Assessing parenting styles offers valuable insight into the unique perspectives each parent holds when it comes to raising their child. For instance, a clash may arise if one partner leans towards an authoritarian approach while the other tends to be more permissive. The fundamental differences in their beliefs about punishments and consequences can create tension, especially when discussing disciplinary matters.

Awareness:

Parenting styles are often shaped by individual childhood experiences, either mirroring or contrasting with one's own upbringing. Reflecting on these experiences can lead to a conscious decision to either align with or deviate from parental values. For example, someone who had overly strict parents may become a permissive parent as a response to their own unpleasant childhood. Understanding these influences is crucial, as it helps partners comprehend and navigate each other's parenting perspectives.

Unity:

Increased insight and awareness pave the way for couples to work together in creating a unified parenting approach. Acknowledging and accepting differences is a step towards harmonizing conflicting styles. In cases where emotions run high, seeking the guidance of a clinician trained in childhood development and parent-child relationships can be immensely beneficial. A skilled professional can assist in fostering unity, offering strategies for healthy child development, and helping the couple develop a cohesive parenting strategy.

Love:

In situations where limited insight and awareness lead to disunity, couples might mistakenly attribute their differences to a lack of love. As a therapist, I have witnessed numerous couples on the verge of giving up due to parenting-related conflicts. However, seeking professional help and developing a healthier parenting style can be a transformative journey. There is hope for couples to overcome these challenges, decrease tension, and rediscover the love that brought them together in the first place. Parenting, when approached with understanding and unity, can strengthen the bond between partners and create a nurturing environment for their children.

Blog By Dr. Yolanda Angelica, MA, LPC, MBA

Couple & Family Therapist, Art Therapist

If you’re interested in working on further exploring your parenting styles in therapy with Dr. Yolanda Angelica please Contact Us for her current availabilities.