Permission to Love Both Parents Children need to know it is alright for them to love both parents even if their parents don't love each other. Children benefit when parents encourage the relationship between their children and the other parent. Make sure your children can be proud of both their parents and hear good things about their parents. All parents make mistakes. Even if you believe the other parent IS a jerk, it causes unnecessary harm to tell children.
Children feel defensive when someone criticizes their mom or dad.
Children are stuck in the middle of having to choose sides when they hear negative things about their parents. Remember, even if you no longer love the other parent, your children love both of you and it hurts them to hear bad things about someone they love. Respect Even when parents disagree with their children, responsive parents respect their children, their children's feelings, interests, and opinions. Responsive parents listen to their children without giving advice. When children are hurt or angry or scared or sad, parents may be uncomfortable and wish they were happy instead.