Disagreements over fundamental parenting issues can be a big problem. Just ask Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Recent reports indicate the TomKat divorce may be due to different views on parenting and religion.
When a couple disagrees on parenting issues, it can lead to a lot of marital issues. Learning how to handle discipline issues with other caregivers can be tricky, especially when it is your spouse.
Sometimes couples disagree on specific discipline techniques, such as how to handle misbehaviors. What do you do if you don't approve of spanking and your spouse does?
Other couples disagree more on the basics of discipline and parenting. For example, if one person wants their child to have free time after school to have fun while the other spouse thinks hours of practicing violin is more appropriate?
The headlines are reporting that it was these sort of fundamental differences in beliefs about religion and parenting that led to the Cruise-Holmes split. However, it begs the question, had they not figured these differences out sooner?
It's important to learn how to work with other caregivers early on. Whether you are struggling to deal with a mother-in-law who bribes your child to a daycare worker who seems too strict or a spouse who undermines your authority, learning how to effectively discipline your children is essential to their health and well-being.