Guy Ritchie thinks Madonna's "stern" parenting is "counterproductive" for their son's confidence.
The 'Man From U.N.C.L.E.' filmmaker - who struggled with learning disorder dyslexia as a child - is preparing to do battle with his ex-wife over the custody of their 15-year-old son Rocco, and he reportedly thinks the pop superstar is too strict with the teenager.
A source told People magazine: "He wants Rocco to have the confidence he lacked growing up and thinks Madonna's stern parental style is counterproductive.
"The welfare of Rocco is Guy's priority."
Rocco left Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' tour in December to be with his father and stepmother Jacqui Ainsley in London, and defied a court order to spend Christmas in New York with his mother.
The teenager has remained in the UK and is reportedly missing school, but the source claims Rocco dislikes the Manhattan private school where he is educated because he thinks it is "elitist" and misses his friends in London.
Madonna and Guy are due in court for a hearing on the matter on February 3.
The former couple - who divorced in 2008 - also have adopted son David, 10, together, while Madonna also has daughter Lourdes, 19, from a past relationship, and adopted daughter Mercy, nine.
Meanwhile, Guy and Jacqui are parents to Rafael, four, Rivka, three, and Levi, 18 months.
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