Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: Inside Their Conflicting Parenting Styles

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had different approaches to parenting their six children. A source told PEOPLE that their conflicting styles led to disagreements, which contributed to their divorce.

"During their marriage, they had very different parenting styles," the source explained. "Brad, who grew up with structure, wanted more rules for the kids, while Angie, who had a different upbringing, wanted the kids to be more independent and responsible for their schedules from a young age."

Despite their clashes, the source noted that Pitt and Jolie shared a common goal for their children’s future. "They wanted the kids to thrive by experiencing the world firsthand and not only through traditional schooling. They both still care deeply about the children," added another source.

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The former couple shares six kids: Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16. Recently, a source revealed that Pitt has "virtually no contact" with his adult children but still has visitation rights with the younger ones. His filming schedule in Europe for his upcoming movie ‘F1’ has further limited his time with them.

Their custody agreement allows Jolie to have primary custody, with Pitt having visitation. Jolie filed for divorce and sole physical custody in 2016. Last month, their daughter Shiloh filed to drop "Pitt" from her last name after turning 18, a decision that upset Pitt. 

"He’s aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name," a source said in June. "The reminders that he’s lost his children are not easy for Brad. He loves and misses them dearly."

Despite being happy with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, the distance from his children "pains him," the source continued. Another source close to Pitt confirmed, "He still loves all of his kids tremendously. This whole process has been very hard for the entire family."

Shiloh’s documents were filed on her 18th birthday  requesting to legally change her name to "Shiloh Jolie."

–Farheen Ali