Kids are able to understand that their are different rules and expectations of them in different places. For example school aged children are expected to raise their hand and talk when called on where at home this is not the case. The same goes for different house holds, when visiting family or friends they may be expected to take their shoes off in one place and not the other. This is simple respectfulness that kids are able to adjust to.
So when couples separate and one house hold becomes two, you shouldn’t allow your household rules to be dictated. Kids naturally push boundaries more with their parents because they feel more comfortable. They may even try to manipulate your emotions by saying something isn’t expected of them at the other parent’s house. But if you want shoes to be taken off in your household then that is that. It would be outrageous to walk into a friends house and refuse to remove your shoes because you don’t have to do this at another friend’s house, so don’t feel guiltily for setting your own house rules.
Though it’s fine to set your own house rules their are certain rules or morals, routines and religious practises that should be considered to be keep as consistent as possible in both households. For example frequent drastic changes in bed times can upset your child’s mood. This will also effect their learning ability in school. It’s beneficial to all if both parents can agree on certain things, but this doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything.
