Transitions & Exchanges · November 9, 2026 · 18 second read
When houses have different rules
It is okay if your household expectations differ from your co parent's. Children are quite capable of learning that different places have different habits. Instead of worrying about matching every single rule, just be clear about your own. Calmly explain the differences without casting blame. Your children will quickly catch on and learn to adapt to both settings.
Try this: Acknowledge the difference to your child by saying something like, One house has this rule, but here we do things this way.
Source: ZERO TO THREE