Parenting From Different Perspectives: 7 Ways to Grow a Prayerful, Powerful Parenting Partnership

Sheri Wohlfert offers ideas for parenting together when Mom and Dad’s approaches aren’t the same.

During our dating days I remember talking about babies and how many kids we imagined having, but I don’t remember talking about how we would actually parent them. There were times when it was clear that we were not on the same parenting page — and even a few where I wasn’t sure we were even in the same book! We learned quickly that parenting has deep roots in both our personality and our life experiences.

Many of the things we do as parents are steeped in our own childhood. Sometimes we want to do things just the way our own parents did them, and sometimes we want to do the opposite. Parents bring different ideas and opinions to the parenting equation, but might not realize how different their approach is until they are knee-deep in a parenting conflict. Our vocation as parents is constantly evolving, so we’d like to offer some ideas about growing as a prayerful, powerful parenting partnership.

Pray

Pray with and for your spouse and your children. Ask God which gifts and abilities you need to incorporate into your parenting. Pray specifically that God will form you into exactly the parent He needs you to be for your child/children.

Exercise Patience

Our parenting grows and changes just like our kids. We won’t have all the right answers and do all the right things. Great parents evolve when they communicate with each other about how to parent according to the needs of their children. It’s not about “winning” or being the favorite parent; it’s about working together, building on each other’s strengths for the benefit of the kids.

Test Out Scenario Wisdom

If you realize you are coming from different perspectives with your parenting, talk about it. Honestly and lovingly talk about what’s working, what’s not but do it in a time and place away from the kids and the heat of a conflict.

Pick a parenting scenario such as what if our son misses curfew, or what if our daughter takes something that doesn’t belong to her and then lies about it, and talk about how each of you would handle it. Ask the important questions: “What would you do and say?” “Why that approach?” “How do you think our child would respond?” And the really big question, if your ideas differ, “What do you think would happen if we tried X instead of Y?”

Scenario discussions give us perspective and understanding that leads to meaningful compromise to work for the good of our kids. Compromises have the power to create things that are strong and beautiful, pulling from the best each parent has to offer.

Show the Truth Together

Conflict leads to inconsistency and being a united, consistent front for our kids is so very important. When our kids see us working together and supporting each other, we send a strong signal. Save any parenting disagreements for a time when the kids aren’t around. Pray together for wisdom in tough parenting times.

Watch the Masters

Be on the lookout for great parenting. If there is a family who raised or is raising great kids, ask questions, have a conversation with them and soak up their wisdom, and pray about how their example applies to your own parenting.

Know Your Goal

Remember that we are in the business of raising saints and pleasing everyone is not a part of that mission. We don’t have to please our own parents or impress other people. When people tell you how to parent, simply listen to their input, take it to prayer, talk with your spouse, and do what’s best for the saints you’re raising.

Go Back to the Beginning

Parenting can be difficult and all-consuming, so return often to the one you fell in love with first. Marriages need to be nurtured to keep the love strong because parenting takes a lot of love and teamwork.

Spend time together and divide your date time into two sections. Part one, conversation about your relationship as parents; take time to discuss anything that needs to be shared about the kids. Part two, Hard jobs are better done with someone you enjoy so talk, laugh, plan and dream about anything but the kids and enjoy each other.

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Copyright 2026 Sheri Wohlfert
Images: Canva