There is no denying that the differences between our cultures and others exist. More specifically, kids in France are treated much differently than they are in the Western world, and it has a major impact on their behaviors.
French kids are known to be more active, brainier, and more well-behaved than kids in the Western world, and a lot of parenting experts say there is a reason for this. In France, things are done differently, and it shows. Here are 7 reasons why French kids don’t throw tantrums.
1. They don’t get special food.
In France, kids eat with adults, and they are not given special food. While food is a major part of their culture, they always have a wide variety of food at the table. In some cases, lunch can be a two-hour affair. Because of this, kids are exposed to table manners, special etiquette, and an array of adult food from an early age.
2. They sleep in their room.
It has become a popular parenting technique in the states to co-sleep, but the French are not about it. Children are given their room and bed, and if they awaken in the night to cry, the mother will wake up, but she doesn’t swoop in to take the child to her room. Instead, she allows her child to self-soothe until they fall back asleep, and at that point, the mother also returns to sleep.
3. Manners are a big deal.
From the time a child can talk, they are taught manners. When they wait in long lines, they are encouraged to do so without pitching a fit. Additionally, they are taught if an older person is standing, they are to give up their seats. Phrases like ‘thank you,’ ‘you are welcome’ and ‘please’ are taught early on.
4. Parents give their kids more freedom.
Mothers are given 10 weeks paid when they have a child. They can choose to extend their time off, but they aren’t compensated for it. Because of this, most kids are sent to an infant care center while their mothers work. This causes the children to be exposed to new people early on, which tends to make them more independent.
5. Play is a priority.
Play is considered the priority, up until the child is around 5 years of age. Because of this, reading is not taught until after they have reached five, to leave more time for fun and play.
6. Family time is prioritized.
Sunday is a non-negotiable family day. Every week, the French families get together and make plans to have a meal and engage in fun activities together.
7. Kids are given pocket money.
Very early on, children are given monthly pocket money to spend as they please. This might seem like they are spoiling them when in reality, this is the money they are expected to hold onto to spend on toys or candy at the supermarket, which means fewer tantrums thrown because they want something.