MULTIPLE STYLES It’s common for parents—and all the caring adults in a child’s life—to have different approaches to parenting. For example, one adult may be more rule-focused and strict (authoritarian), while another is more protective or emotionally nurturing. In families where caregiving is shared across grandparents, aunts and uncles, stepparents, or close family friends, there can be a wide range of parenting styles at play. These differences can sometimes lead to confusion
for kids, especially when expectations aren’t clearly aligned. But they can also be a strength. When adults work together, they have the opportunity to model teamwork, compromise, and respect for different perspectives.
To support healthy decision-making in children and teens, it’s important for caregivers to communicate regularly and establish shared expectations. While each adult may bring their own style, consistency in rules and consequences helps children feel secure and understand boundaries. It also helps prevent “splitting,” where kids try to play one adult against another. Ultimately, children should feel that—even if their caregivers approach things differently—they are united when it comes to love, safety, and accountability.
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