Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie 'Clashed' Over 'Very Different Parenting Styles' During Marriage: Source (Exclusive)

A source tells PEOPLE that the two had different methods in mind when it came to raising their six kids

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had different methods in mind when it came to raising their six kids.

A source tells PEOPLE that Pitt, 60, and Jolie, 49, had differing parenting approaches during their marriage, which caused disagreements that played a role in the end of their union.

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

"Brad and Angie clashed over this. However, they did always have the same vision for their kids' future. They wanted the kids to thrive by experiencing the world first-hand and not only learn from traditional schooling."

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Angelina Jolie (left) and Brad Pitt (right).

James Devaney/GC; David M. Benett/Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/WireImage

"They still both really care," a separate source tells PEOPLE of their long divorce process. "They both care about the children."

The former couple shares six kids together — Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, Knox and Vivienne, 16.

Earlier this month, a source close to the family told PEOPLE that Pitt has "virtually no contact" with his adult kids, but still has visitation with the younger ones.

Brad Pitt arrives at the "Babylon" Global Premiere Screening at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California
Brad Pitt. Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

"He has virtually no contact with the adult kids. His engagement with the younger kids is more limited in recent months because of his filming schedule," the source said. At the time, Pitt was on location in Europe filming his upcoming racing movie F1.

The source also noted that the couple's custody agreement allows visitation rights to their minor children. Jolie first filed for divorce and sole physical custody of their kids in 2016.

Maddox Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Knox Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, and Zahara Jolie-Pitt attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Marvel Studios' "Eternals" on October 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
Maddox Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Knox Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, and Zahara Jolie-Pitt attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Marvel Studios' "Eternals" on October 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

"[Angelina] has the kids most of the time, but per their agreement, he has visitation with the younger kids."

A month prior, Pitt and Jolie's daughter Shiloh filed to drop "Pitt" from her last name after she turned 18. A source close to Pitt told PEOPLE that the father of six was aware of Shiloh's name change.

“He’s aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name," the source said in June. "The reminders that he’s lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them. It’s very sad."

While "happy" with his girlfriend Ines de Ramon, the source continued, the distance from his children "pains him."

“He still loves all of his kids tremendously,” another source close to Pitt told PEOPLE. “This whole process has been very hard for the whole family."

As confirmed to PEOPLE by someone familiar with the matter, Shiloh’s documents were filed on Monday, May 27, which also happened to be her 18th birthday. The teenager is requesting a new legal name, hoping to go by simply "Shiloh Jolie."

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