When grandma says 'yes' and mum says 'no', here's how to navigate the parenting tug-of-war
With many families relying on grandparents for childcare, differing views on food, discipline and routines are common. Family counsellors give tips on how parents can set limits without undermining grandparents who help with childcare.
When a grandparent insists that a newborn wear socks on a hot day and a parent disagrees, it marks the beginning of a common parental struggle with grandparents. This conflict over childcare practices, such as feeding routines and screen time, is an inevitable part of modern parenting. In Singapore, where dual-income households are prevalent and grandparents often step in to help with childcare, these clashes are particularly frequent.
Family counsellors encourage parents to set boundaries without alienating the grandparents who provide essential support. Generational knowledge gaps and individual childhood influences contribute to these disagreements. While current guidelines suggest limiting screen time for young children, grandparents may be less stringent due to their lack of experience with modern technology.
It's crucial for parents to recognise whether their strong reactions stem from recent breaches or unresolved emotional baggage. By understanding these dynamics, parents can better navigate the tug-of-war with their parents and in-laws, ensuring the well-being of their children and maintaining harmonious family relationships.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
