Many parents deeply value education and want to provide their children with the very best. It is often easy for parents to agree that a good education is a top priority. However, there are times when the definition of a high-quality education is different for each parent. One parent may think that a particular type of program is ideal, while the other looks to a completely different program as the standard. If you and your spouse are not on the same page when it comes to education for your child, there is some work that needs to be done. Getting on the same page about education will make the process of choosing where your child goes to school much easier.

Find common ground

If the discussion about education has become heated or a source of frustration, take a step back, and find common ground. You and your spouse can both agree that you want what is best for your child. You can also agree that quality education is important. Defining the common ground in this discussion can help you stay focused on the ultimate goal, which is providing your child with an education that is right for him or her. This step can help prevent the discussion from becoming about who is right or who is going to ‘win.’ Your child is the one that you both want to ‘win’ in this situation.

Discuss what is most important for each of you

If you and your spouse are not on the same page about education, then it likely means that your priorities for education are in different orders. For example, you both want your child to make progress academically, but one of you may list that goal lower than the goal of developing skills related to social development. Both matter, but they may not matter at the same level to you and your spouse. A good way to approach differing priorities is to have an open discussion about what is most important for each of you. You may find that some of your top priorities overlap. In that case, you can focus on finding programs that address those overlapping priorities. Discussing what is most important for each of you – and making sure you both understand the other’s position – is an essential part of getting on the same page about education.

Look at the specific needs of your child

You can agree with your spouse that your child is ultimately the most important factor in the discussion about education. Looking at the specific needs of your child can help you, and your spouse get on the same page about education. If there is a program that is clearly a good fit, you and your spouse can get on board with that option for the well being of your child.

Education is an important topic for parents. It can quickly become a source of disagreement and frustration if two parents have differing views on education. Ultimately, your child is the primary concern in this discussion. Keeping that fact at the forefront of your mind can help you, and your spouse get on the same page and find a program that everyone can agree upon.