Moving Beyond “Right” and “Wrong”
I love helping couples find a path to parent together. Every couple starts with different viewpoints on how to parent based on how they were raised. Therefore, there is often conflict on how to approach each challenge they encounter.
I believe it’s important to not judge your parenting approach as either right or wrong because this puts undue stress on your couple relationship. Rather I suggest thinking more about what thoughts and actions seem to be effective or ineffective in reaching your goals.
The Power of Non-Judgmental Self-Reflection
To non-judgmentally self-reflect on your actions takes the willingness and strength to discard the belief that you “should” know how to parent. If you think “should” then judging how effective you are can feel like you are judging your value as a parent.
Ouch!!!
When I talk with parents, I have no judgment in my mind of right or wrong. Instead I ask what is working and what isn’t working. When an approach isn’t reaching your goals, for example of getting more respectful behavior, then it’s time to re-evaluate your strategy.
Breaking the Cycle of Ineffective Discipline
Rather than trying what you think is right over and over with the same negative results, it’s time to find a new approach. You change and then your children will change.
Doing the same thing and expecting a different response from your children will only lead you to feel more frustrated, angry, and disappointed with them.
From Power Struggles to Family Discussions
One approach that works well to win more respect, cooperation, and collaboration is to learn how to have family discussions. If you keep telling your children what to do and get rebellion in return, then your approach is ineffective, Right?
When you use power when your kids need power, you’ll get rebellion which is their negative way to gain power.
Why a United Parenting Approach Matters
A united parenting approach gives security to children and increases the chances that you’ll receive the behaviors you want. You’ll still be unique yet children will know what to expect and won’t pin one of you against the other.
Happy parenting!
Cynthia
Check out my new bonus parenting class, The Proven Path to Joyful Family Discussions, for parents of children 9 to 15 years old. To find the date and time of the workshop, visit the classes page.
Cynthia is available for private coaching sessions, so you can quickly get the answers you need and make those much-needed changes right away. Click HERE for a complimentary 45-minute Fast-Track Clarity Session to learn what you can do now to create more harmony in your home.
Learn about how you can solve your parenting challenges at your own pace with the Win, Win, Win Parenting Program.
Copyright © 2026, Cynthia Klein, All rights reserved. Please contact Cynthia to use any of her blog post.
About Cynthia Klein
Cynthia Klein’s mission is to contribute to World Peace and building healthy family relationships is the place to begin. As a parenting expert for over 30 years, parents have learned from Cynthia how to communicate more effectively as an ally rather than an adversary. Her unique Family Harmony System teaches parents of 5 and older how to have open dialogue, solve problems together, support one another, and build mutual respect. Cynthia is the author of Ally Parenting and the video-based self-paced program Win, Win, Win, Parenting. She has presented over 700 talks and coached hundreds of parents privately towards greater family connection and harmony. To learn more about her services of coaching and speaking, contact Cynthia Klein at , visit her website at bridges2understanding.com.
