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Every parent wants to raise a well disciplined kid and we’ll do anything to achieve it, including referencing new cultures and perspectives for help. And although the French usually have a reputation for being distant, they never come off as being impolite. This is because they prioritize good manners and the importance of being well behaved, which they pass onto their children as soon as they can. But how do they manage to raise such well behaved children? What’s their secret? Well if you’d like to know the reasons behind their well mannered kids and how to raise children the french way, then this article is for you! Read on to know more.
1. They Don’t Believe In Punishments
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Okay we know that this one may seem too good to be true, but you can discipline your child without punishing them. After all, the point of a lesson learned is not to make them feel bad but to make sure that your kids understand that they are never to repeat the indiscretion again. The French believe in giving their children space for their emotions and preferences so that they can work on their emotional stability. This means that kids are allowed to feel angry and sad without it warranting a punishment. They are also allowed time alone if they need a second to get a handle of their emotions.
2. They Don’t Cave When It Comes To Food
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The French take food very seriously. That is, eating clean, healthy and well balanced meals is an important part of their life. You’ve heard of the French taking an hour-long lunch break and that’s because they take the time to focus on what they put into their systems. After all, you can’t be productive if you’re ill. This is something they teach their children from a young age. Which means begging for snacks and dessert before finishing your meal will get you absolutely nowhere in a french household. However, you are allowed something sweet after you’re done with your meal. So instead of saying “There is no dessert until the main course is eaten,” replace it with something like, “First the main course, then dessert.”
3. Explaining Instead Of Scolding
Here’s another hot take from the French that will make all the difference. They don’t believe in talking to children in a childish manner. That doesn’t mean they treat their kids like they are adults but they do believe that their children deserve an explanation when they are denied certain privileges or treats. So instead of scolding their children for questioning them, they explain things in a simpler way so that the little one will understand the situation. Explaining things in advance will save you a lot of time and tantrums. Remember, kids seek out an explanation for everything, just like adults do. So it’s in your best interest to give them what they want.
4. Giving The Child A Choice To Choose For Themselves
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Whenever they can, they let their kids choose for themselves. This is a great exercise in autonomy and independence. And the best part is, it doesn’t have to be elaborate. You can simply ask them to choose between 2 great options or let them decide on small matters. For example, allow your kids to pick the location of the place you are all going to walk to this evening. Let them have a say in the vegetables that go in the soup or let them choose between 2 kid safe shampoos. Children love to have a say in what they do and by giving them options we are showing them that they have some control over their lives, which is a good thing. Your children should want to have a say in the decisions they make about their lives as they will one day grow up to manage themselves and all their affairs.
5. Kneel Down To Their Level To Talk
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When their kids are throwing a tantrum or not cooperating, they kneel down to their eye level and make it a point to talk to them. This technique makes it physically simpler for kids to communicate with you, plus you are giving them respect by being on their level. This will ensure that your child engages in a conversation with you so that you can both understand each other better. And at the end of the day, that’s all it’s about.
Raising kids is never an easy task, no matter where you are in the world. But it’s always interesting to draw inspiration from a different culture and integrate it into your own parenting style. So, do the French do it best? Let us know in the comments section!
