When both parents are present in a child’s life, it is inevitable that they end up taking on different roles within it. For example, it is very common for somebody to be more lax and the other disciplinarian, or to share different hobbies or types of quality time. 

These differences often become even more pronounced when a couple has separated, with some kids leading completely opposite lives when they are with their mom versus when they are with their dad. Sometimes, what caused a rift between the parents in the first place continues with shared custody.

So long as a child feels cared for by both parents, it shouldn’t be an issue when parenting styles are different. However, problems can arise when this isn’t the case. It is all too common for one parent to be far more involved in the lives of their children than the other, causing issues.