Why kids behave differently with each parent, according to psychology

A child who happily follows one parent’s instructions may argue with the other over the smallest things. They may be chatty and playful with one parent but quiet and reserved with the other. They may run to one parent after a bad day and seek the other when they want to play, explore or negotiate for something.For parents, these differences can be confusing. It can even feel unfair. “Why does our child listen to you but not me?” or “Why does she become so difficult only when I am around?” are questions many parents find themselves asking.But children are not necessarily being inconsistent- and their behaviour does not automatically mean that they love one parent more.Developmental psychology suggests that children develop individual relationships with each caregiver.