Undermining your spouse

Nothing drives my husband crazier than when I interfere in his parenting of our 3-year-old daughter.

I know I shouldn’t do it, but it’s so hard to watch when I think I could ease the situation or help my daughter and husband get on the same page.

My husband and I have agreed on a discipline strategy for our daughter, but our method of implementation is very different. Much of the difference comes from the fact that I’m home all day with our daughter, so I often let some things slide just to get through the day without another tantrum or power struggle. I admit that my husband is much better about sticking to our discipline plan, but it’s difficult for me to keep my mouth shut when I think my husband’s being too strict.

But I know it’s wrong and annoying. I also know that nothing undermines a parenting team more than when one parent second-guesses the other’s disciplining tactics in front of the child.

So what do you do if you and your significant other have different parenting styles? What’s the best way to address the differences without undermining each other?