“Dad, can I have extra computer time?” If you’ve spent much time around kids, you probably know what’s happening. The child didn’t ask Mom because they intuitively know which parent is more likely to give the desired answer. This familiar dynamic may seem trivial, but it can become a painful source of conflict in marriage. Each parent comes to parenting with their own opinions, shaped by their upbringing, temperament, and life experiences. When those differences aren’t worked