As most Economics students know all too well, a laissez-faire economy is one in which the government interferes as little as possible in financial affairs. In France, however, laissez-faire ideals apply to more than just economic policy. French parents utilize a hands-off approach to child-rearing, which has proven more effective than the American method. The subject of French parental advantages arose from the novel Bringing Up Bebe, a written composite from American journalist Pamela Druckerman as she observed the differences in raising a child of American versus French descent. The French parenting method is more effective than its American counterpart due to its thoughtful approaches to tantrums, eating habits and family security.
“Being French is primarily advantageous because it provides an alternate perspective of the way I view things in life. To have any foreign culture infused into the culture of the place you live is ultimately beneficial,” said senior Alex Vialy.
French parents utilize a parenting strategy known as the “La Pause” method. When bombarded with tantrums or whining, parents deliberately hesitate before responding to bad behavior. Not only does this method prevent parents from enhancing their children’s hysteria with their own, it also allows children to become more independent and less inclined to think of themselves as “the center of the universe.”
“French parents are very concerned about their kids. They take reasonable precautions but are not panicked about their children’s well-being,” said Druckerman in Bringing Up Bebe. “This calmer outlook makes them better at both establishing boundaries and giving their kids some autonomy.”
A recurring problem in American families is poor diet and its links to illnesses such as diabetes and childhood obesity. According to nationmaster.com, the obesity rate in the United States stands at a staggering 30.6 percent while in France it is listed at only 9.5 percent. While American children are more inclined to give in to the temptations of quick and unhealthy snacks, French families place a strong emphasis on appreciating each meal. Teaching children the importance of eating well and exercising promotes a healthy lifestyle that they inevitably carry into adulthood.
“The French always say they eat with their eyes first. It is important for them to have small, beautifully decorated portions so that they appreciate every meal”, said French teacher Madame Boghosian.
The French political system also aids struggling parents by creating greater childcare resources. French government provides for national health care, nationwide paid maternity leave, high-quality day care and free preschool. This system allows children to be raised in a healthy environment with basic necessities, while the American government fails to provide for children in low-income families.
French parenting ensures children’s health and safety and provides for those children who require additional resources. The advantages of the French parenting style give parents around the world many innovative concepts to consider.
Like a chaotic scene out of Modern Family, American parenting is an assortment of cultures and traditions. When these cultures merge, a durable, diverse society with varied ideas and skill sets is created. The American parenting style is characterized by an active interest and involvement in children’s lives. Parents’ roles in their children’s lives have grown exponentially, resulting in a generation of emotionally healthy, capable and successful adults.
American parents are primarily unique in the sense that they make decisions after discussing issues with their children. This democratic approach to parenting may not be considered valuable in other parts of the world, where strict cultural values drive parents to rule with an iron fist. By involving their children in the decision-making process, parents are preparing them for adulthood, where success is often determined by an individual’s ability to make thoughtful, informed choices. American children also gain confidence from their shared power and learn to consider the consequences of their actions.
“Parents are wise to give their students more responsibilities and more of a voice,” said head counselor Linda Hull. “This sense of empowerment helps [students] in stressful situations.”
American parents are also constantly evolving and observing successful parenting techniques from other cultures. As other ethnic groups continue to integrate into American society, American parents take the values of these groups and combine the best aspects of them with traditional American styles of child-rearing. Early exposure to varied ideas also gives American children a healthy appreciation for diversity and creates a tolerant society in which widely varied groups of individuals can thrive.
“Most families are not dominated by socially destructive, prejudiced values [but] are permeated by love and mutual respect between parents and their children. Families that foster those conditions are influenced by reference group values.” said Jack C. Westman, M.D. to Parenthood in America.
Although American “hover parents” have become infamous among critics of American parenting, children often benefit when their parents are fully involved in their lives. According to a recent study by Harvard University, students whose parents who spend a great deal of time with them and regularly speak with their teachers are significantly more likely to attend college and have high-earning jobs as adults. Parents who are present in their children’s lives provide children with a strong support system and give them confidence in their own abilities. When children are confident that the adults in their lives are concerned with and affected by their behavior, they become hardworking and self-assured adults.
The diverse assortment of cultures in the U.S. is an invaluable asset regarding parenting. The democratic and fair approach that Americans apply to parenting promotes strong-minded individuals who are prepared to become successful and influential adults.
