63% of couples with kiddos at home argue over cleaning

Parenting can be challenging. Thank goodness you aren’t alone. You have your partner in crime. Your better half. The mac to your cheese. The Tom to your Jerry…you get the picture. You complement each other… most of the time. When it comes to parenting, is your style black and his white…complete ends of the spectrum?

can’t you see the right way

In general, parenting styles can be defined as the strategies and principles a parent follows in raising her children. Research has found four basic styles:

• permissive Also referred to as indulgent parenting, this style is lenient and more responsive than demanding.

• authoritarian Highly demanding and directive, this style parent makes the rules and expects them to be followed without exception.

• authoritative These parents are demanding and responsive. They are assertive, but not intrusive or restrictive.

• hands off Also called uninvolved parenting, this style is low on demand and response. Most parents of this style fall within a normal range; in the extreme cases it can verge on neglect.

So, which are you? Odds are you don’t fall entirely into one category, which is normal. Same goes for your parenting partner. But you both probably have a dominating style. Can two differing styles live and thrive under one roof? Absolutely, if you can follow these tips:

• talk it out Discuss your parenting goals and values with your partner. What do you hope to instill in your big kid?

• respect Agree to disagree, but don’t criticize your partner’s style…especially in front of your big kid. To win the battle you must have a united front or the kiddos may revolt!

• bend a bit Recognize that each kiddo is different, so your style might work well with your big kid and your partner’s style for another kiddo. Be ready to adjust and compromise. What’s best for your kiddos is what’s most important.

Can two different parenting styles produce healthy, well-behaved offspring? Yes, but it doesn’t mean it will be easy. If you and your parenting partner are really struggling to see eye to eye and co-parent effectively, seek a third party for help. A counselor or parenting group can be a big help.

They say this is when tweeners start looking to their peers rather than you. Tweeners want to be with their friends, are consumed with their budding social lives and are just too cool for good ol’ mama. Right? Doesn’t sound like your tweener? Is shyness making your tweener—well, not the typical tweener?

Breaking Out

Shyness is a personality trait which can range from being uncomfortable or self conscious to having extreme