When parents don’t see eye to eye: are differences in parenting styles a bad thing?

Key points

• Parents often disagree on rules, screen time and how much independence children should have. Psychologists describe four broad parenting styles, and research links authoritative parenting with better outcomes for children.
• Differences between parents are not necessarily harmful. Problems tend to arise when parents undermine each other or respond inconsistently, which can leave children confused or distressed.
• Parents are advised to start with shared goals, agree on practical strategies, discuss disagreements privately and keep reviewing their approach as children grow.