ABSTRACT
This chapter is a little different. Instead of focusing on statements commonly made by kids, this one tackles exchanges that are all too common between parents or between any two caregivers for the same child (for example, mom and grandma, parent and stepparent, or between exes). In every co-parenting relationship, both parties come with their own set of values, beliefs, and tendencies. Our unique parenting style is most influenced by the way we were raised – either we adopted a learned pattern of behavior, or we developed a style in reaction to what we experienced or a little of both. We’ve also seen over the years that when it comes to parenting, the adage “opposites attract” is perhaps more common than “birds of a feather flock together.” This means that you may often find yourself at loggerheads with your partner in caregiving at exactly the time when you most want their support.
