Most couples have experienced common parenting issues and one of it is the different opinion of raising kids. For one, the other parent wants to discipline the children in a certain way while the spouse wants to handle their kids in a different way. They are so entrenched with their position that it becomes the source of an argument.
Thus, Michelle Brody, Ph.D., an executive coach and clinical psychologist in New York City, and author of "Stop the Fight! An Illustrated Guide for Couples" talked to Parenting and shared some helpful advice for the parents to avoid any such arguments.
Acknowledge the problem.
Dr. Brody said parenting is definitely stressful. Hence, parents often get tired of the situation and just argue over small things. Instead of disagreeing and fighting, she said couples should "commiserate" about how hard the situation is. Then, think of your spouse as a partner, so you can get through it as a team.
Appreciate all the small things.
"Find as many ways as you can to thank your significant other for doing things such as taking care of last night's 2 a.m. feeding, for letting you sleep in a little, or for cleaning up that really horrible diaper mess," Dr. Brody said. Your appreciation to your partner's effort can enable more generosity and appreciation from your spouse. Likewise, it can also reinvigorate your own appreciation and generosity in a very positive cycle -- leading to a peaceful relationship.
Don't let religion cause friction to your relationship.
Dr. Brody said one of the common arguments between parents is the religion. They often argued about which religion to practice for their kids. Hence, she said parents should always remember that raising children is all about values. They should find "some common agreement about the overall values that the practices represent." If both parents can ultimately agree that values are important, "it becomes easier to find solutions to religious dilemmas," she said.
