Two Homes, Two Sets of Rules

Five ways to provide consistency for kids with inconsistencies at two homes.

It’s not uncommon for kids with two homes to have to juggle two sets of rules. But it only takes one co-parent to give their kid a safety net to help manage these inconsistencies.

Children in two homes who are left to struggle with different sets of rules often try to pit their parents against each other in a game of bad cop and good cop. They do this when they’re unable to express how they feel about being forced to navigate two sets of rules. Tim, for example, is confused, anxious, and stressed, which has led to emotional dysregulation as well as a range of academic and behavioral issues.

Parents are often pitted against each other and blame each other for the situation. Or if they see their child “acting out,” they may point to their child as the problem. In fact, if this is happening in your home, your kid is trying to tell you that they are craving consistency and age-appropriate boundaries. They are asking you to provide a safety net.

To read full article go to Psychology Today