Canadian teenagers enjoy more freedom than French and Italian peers, according to a new study published in the Journal of Adolescence. The investigation, which examined how parents fashion emotional bonds and exert behavioural control with adolescents, was led by scientists from the University of Montreal, the Université de Rennes in France and the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy.
Canada, France and Italy were compared because the countries have commonalities: Latin languages, Catholic history and advanced industrialization. Questionnaires were answered by adolescents whose parents were born in their country of residence: 522 Canadians from Montreal (54.8 percent girls; 45.2 percent boys); 336 French from Rennes (65.8 percent girls; 34.2 percent boys); 398 Italians from Milan (47.2 percent girls; 52.8 percent boys). Teens were asked to describe parents according to emotional bonding, communication, frequency of conflict, rules, discipline and tolerance of friend-related activities.
"Parents are perceived as emotionally bonded by teens from all three countries, yet perception of parental control contrasted between Italy and Canada. Of all three countries, Italian mothers and fathers are perceived as using the most constraining practices," says first author Michel Claes, a University of Montreal psychology professor. "Italian parents are seen as more demanding in rules and authorizations. They take more punitive actions when rules are broken and are less tolerant of peer socialization. They uphold family regulations and require their adolescents to ask for authorizations until a much later age."
"Our study found Canadian parents to be the most tolerant. They, had less rules and less disciplinary actions," says Dr. Claes. "Canadian mothers and fathers were seen as less punitive, less coercive and more tolerant than French and Italian mothers."
The French were found to parent in a moderate style. French fathers, however, were perceived by teens as emotionally distant, rigid and prone to intergenerational conflict. French mothers, for their part, were reported to foster closer bonds as their children grew into adolescence.
In all three countries, teens experienced a gradual decrease in behavioural control between the ages of 11 and 19: fathers and mothers reduced requirements and disciplinary constraints. "Our study found parental control is dictated by social codes and culture-specific values, which promote certain parental practices and proscribe others," says Dr. Claes, noting that Canadian parents value a democratic conception of education that promotes independence and negotiation, while Europeans parents, especially Italians, advocate for obligations and respect for parental authority.
This study was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
FAQs
Italian parents generally have a lot of authority over their children throughout their lives. Most Italians seek autonomy and independence, but due to the economic climate, many stay at home for years into their adulthood. Indeed, Italians leave their parents' home at one of the highest ages in Europe.
What is the parenting style of the French parents? ›
Parenting styles in France. Like any country in the world, parenting styles vary in France. However, generally speaking, it places an emphasis on teaching respect, discipline, and setting boundaries while also fostering independence and a sense of responsibility in children.
How do Italian parents discipline their children? ›
Italian parents seem less willing to negotiate with their children in this area, preferring to yell as punishment (almost 60% vs 25% global average).
What is the French way of parenting? ›
In the book "Bringing Up Bebe," author Pamela Druckerman wrote that French parents establish clear expectations of what is expected and what is unacceptable behavior from their kids at an early age. This creates an authoritative parenting style and leaves little question as to who is in charge in the family.
How do Italian mothers act? ›
Still, Italian mothers are a force to be reckoned with. They treat cultural traditions with reverence and show their love with bountiful family meals. They can be fiercely protective of their children, and especially over their sons, who tend to live at home much longer than in other countries.
What is the family structure in Italy culture? ›
The Italian family often extends beyond the nuclear family, encompassing grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Living in close proximity and maintaining daily interactions with extended family members are vital aspects of the Italian way of life.
Why are French kids so well behaved? ›
“The French believe that kids feel confident when they're able to do things for themselves, and do those things well,” writes Pamela Druckerman, an American mom who chronicled her experience raising children in France in her book Bringing Up Bébé and the follow-up Bébé Day by Day: 100 Keys to French Parenting.
How is French parenting different from American parenting? ›
Schedules: Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the French and American parenting style is a reliance on scheduling to bring order to family chaos. French parents "take it for granted that babies” will sleep through the night by the time they are six months.
How do French parents discipline? ›
They give the children unyielding guidelines and a frame within which they should stay, and they actually teach the children what to do. Table manners are trained daily. Many families feed their children first, hovering over them and explaining to them how to hold a fork and a knife.
What is considered rude behavior in Italy? ›
So, if you're not asked to, don't ever take your shoes off. Don't wander around alone: Moving freely around someone else's home is considered rude and inappropriate. Accept something they offer: Leaving a house without having a coffee, a piece of cake, or even just a glass of water might disappoint your host.
In Italian culture, families socialize and celebrate often. Even on a regular day, they'll meet in each other's homes for dinner or head to restaurants together. Food equals love and tradition in Italian culture. If you enjoy Italian recipes, cooking, and eating, you're surely going to love being married to an Italian!
What is the Swiss way of parenting? ›
Parents tend to let them do a lot of things on their own or try things for themselves. For example, it is not unusual for young children to walk to primary school alone or with friends. Moreover, parents usually instill a substantial amount of trust in their children, and listen to – and respect – their opinions.
What do French parents call their daughters? ›
Parents, as well as grandparents and other adults, also call boys mon fils (pronounced: mohn feece), meaning 'my son' or 'my boy,' and girls ma fille (pronounced: mah fee), meaning 'my daughter' or 'my girl. '
How are children raised in Italy? ›
Italian parents seem more relaxed
I've noticed that my European friends who have kids don't rely on a parenting style — such as the four types of parenting referred to as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful. Italian parents seem more laid back and relaxed, which shows in their parenting.
What is considered most respectful in Italian culture? ›
Basic Etiquette
It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when they meet, irrespective of their gender. Stand up out of respect when an older person enters the room. It is important to dress neatly and respectfully. Cover your mouth when yawning or sneezing.
What are Italian mothers known for? ›
To be raised by an Italian mother is to be showered in love, kindness, nourishment and toughness. Italian mothers know how to delicately traipse the fine line between nurture and discipline – so much so, they've made an art of it. It's well known that la bella figura is ingrained in the Italian psyche.
