9 ways the French teach children to be independent and live positively
It is easy to see that French children are well-behaved, intelligent and also very active. They are not too naughty, not fussy, friendly and especially polite. What makes children in this country become so positive, let's see how parents in France teach.
1. The first year after giving birth
Mothers in France almost all go back to work when their children are about 10 weeks old because if they stay at home for too long, they will have to shoulder a lot of household expenses that their husbands alone cannot cover.
According to French law, mothers are allowed to go back to work when their baby is 10 weeks old and the job must be safe. At this point, parents are required to send their children to daycare. From a young age, French children are exposed to many strangers, which helps them adapt more quickly and become independent in life.
2. French children are taught to sleep alone.
From birth, French babies sleep in their own beds, and even when they have their own rooms, they do not invite their parents to sleep with them, but are taught to sleep alone. If the baby wakes up crying at night, the parents wait a few minutes to see if the baby really needs them.
3. Freedom
French parents give their children a lot of freedom. They let them play as they please and do not intervene if there is a conflict between them. This approach helps children develop self-control. They learn to regulate their own behavior and learn to solve problems on their own.
One piece of advice is that parents should not give their children absolute freedom but set limits on innocent pranks and bad behavior. If violated, the child will be punished.
4. Grandparents are not babysitters.
In France and other Western countries, grandparents play a supporting role in raising children, not as babysitters. They only see their grandchildren at weekend meals or on holidays, and spend most of their remaining time relaxing, resting, and chatting with neighbors.
5. Simple meals for kids
French cuisine is always admired by many countries, but in daily life they are very simple.
The French value eating together, so they insist on having family meals at least once a day, and children and adults eat the same dishes together, rather than cooking elaborately for each child. This helps children adapt quickly, whine less for food, and parents are also more relaxed.
6. Children are taught to behave from a young age.
French children understand that good manners will help them get ahead in relationships, so they are always enthusiastic in welcoming guests to their homes, friendly to their neighbors, and often give up their seats to the elderly on public transport.
From a young age, French children are taught four very important phrases: “Thank you”, “Welcome”, “Goodbye”, and “Good day”.
7. Educational methods
It is not surprising to meet a 5-year-old French child who cannot read yet, because parents in this country spend most of their children's childhood exploring the world, learning to communicate and take responsibility. Children are taught more about letters at the age of 6.
8. Sunday is family day
Every weekend, French parents stop everything to take their children out for a picnic, barbecue or bike ride. These activities are planned in advance to make the children happy and feel the family bond. This is a very useful way to nurture the children's souls.
9. Children are given pocket money
When going to the supermarket with their parents, French children are less likely to cause trouble by demanding to buy many things because they are given pocket money from the age of 7 and they buy whatever they want. The monthly pocket money is usually equal to the child's age.
