- I hail from the beautiful city of New York but have called Italy my home for the past decade.
- My Italian husband and I are happily married and blessed with a lovely 5-year-old daughter.
- Compared to American parents, Italian parents exude a sense of relaxation and ease.
I’m an American originally from the bustling city of New York. However, I’ve embraced Italy as my second home for nearly a decade. It is here that I experienced the joy of becoming a mother to my daughter, now about to turn five. She is truly at home in the Italian way of life and seamlessly bilingual.
Raising a child in a foreign country presents its own set of challenges for an American like me. I was raised in America by American parents, yet I am now navigating the complexities of parenting in a land where the dominant language is my second language, and my husband is Italian.
Italian parents differ greatly from their American counterparts in their approach to parenting, and I believe they may be onto something special.
Italian Parents: Embracing a Relaxed Approach
I’ve observed that my European friends who are parents don’t conform strictly to specific parenting styles, such as the authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful approaches. Italian parents, in particular, strike me as more laid-back and at ease, and this translates into their parenting style.
For instance, within our household, I tend to be the stricter parent, while my husband adopts a more relaxed stance. What he perceives as strictness on my part, I view as educational and a means of instilling discipline in our daughter.
Embracing a More Balanced Approach to Activities
In the United States, I witness how after-school activities often spiral out of control for my friends. While I acknowledge the importance of engaging kids in sports, clubs, or music, I question the benefit of overwhelming their schedule with activities. In Italy, children may play soccer with friends in the park or attend dance classes, but joining multiple clubs and groups is not as emphasized as in the U.S.
During the summer months, when schools are closed, Italian children do not adhere to a rigid routine. Considering the intense heat in Italy during summer, the best time for outdoor activities is often in the evening. Consequently, children stay out late, and in August, when the country virtually shuts down due to the heat, kids enjoy the freedom to be themselves and go to bed at their discretion.
Italians: A Symbol of Relaxed Living
Italians prioritize the enjoyment of life, making it a fundamental part of their identity. Unlike the attachment many Americans have to their careers and the constant pursuit of wealth, Italians prioritize happiness and spending time with family.
Ultimately, achieving balance is key. European parents have their strengths, just as I appreciate certain aspects of the American approach. Parenting is a unique journey for each individual, and the important thing is to embrace your own personal style.
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