Some American parents choose to relocate to other countries like Spain, Denmark, or Japan to raise their children. Recently, an American mother gained online attention for sharing her experiences of raising her family on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Sarah L. Thompson’s viral video highlighted the contrasts between parenting in the U.S. versus Italy. She mentioned that Italian children have much later bedtimes compared to American kids, sometimes staying up as late as 10 p.m. or even 11 p.m. Thompson had to adapt to this schedule to fully engage in local activities.
Moreover, Thompson found it challenging to prepare fresh meals three times a day, a practice common in Italy but not as prevalent in the U.S. She expressed both admiration for the quality of Italian cuisine and the exhaustion of daily meal preparation for her children.
In Italy, family life is paramount, with children and parents spending a significant amount of time together. While Thompson appreciated this closeness, she also acknowledged the difficulty of finding alone time as a couple.
Unlike the hovering parenting style often seen in the U.S., Italian parents allow their children more freedom to explore independently without constant supervision, fostering a sense of community trust and safety.
Thompson also noted cultural differences such as the lack of circumcision for Italian boys, higher costs of children’s products compared to the U.S., and the more accepting attitude of Italians towards children’s behavior in public.
Overall, the themes of inclusive child-rearing practices and a more relaxed parenting approach resonate among American parents living abroad. The contrast prompts reflection on how these aspects could be integrated into American parenting culture.
If you’re interested, there’s more to explore on this topic.