Introduction
Raising children in different countries is perceived differently. Most people take care of children similarly, but there are sometimes elementary differences, often based on other cultural or social groups. Today, many stereotypes about raising children in France are based on parents’ cruelty and neglect of children. However, such a thing does not exist now; it is just an ordinary myth created and spread throughout mass culture.
Nutrition and Weaning Practices
Feeding young children is usually no different from that in other countries. Mothers first try to provide their children with only organic products to improve and strengthen the child’s body (Loyal, 2017). In particular, if this child is breastfed, mothers try to eat only healthy and essential foods that would also enhance the child’s health. In the same context, young parents usually use mixes to facilitate cooking, which are worth mentioning. However, most French parents refuse this cooking method due to distrust of such substances and the composition of the mixture.
An essential component of child rearing is the weaning of a child from breastfeeding and the introduction of solid and regular food mixtures. First of all, many parents in France start teaching their child between 5 and 6 months (Loyal, 2017). At first, the recommendations show that it is worth giving vegetables and fruits and introducing the child to these kinds of food. After that, many recommend actively introducing more solid foods into the diet. It is also worth noting that some pediatricians in France suggest introducing new food into the diet at a specific period of the day that is best for the child.
Caregiving Roles and Early Learning Tools
As in most European countries, mainly women are the principal caregivers for young children. Some studies show that women are paid for their leave, which benefits fathers (Loyal, 2017). Only in 2021 was the same law introduced for men, who could take leave to care for a child. After such an act, the percentage of men caring for children increased, but primarily, women remained the main ones caring for children.
However, this trend has the potential to change in the future. Often, grandparents also take an active part in caring for the child (Loyal, 2017). If it is not possible to take care of the baby, older people can also help. This percentage in France is insignificant and, therefore, not a common phenomenon.
Here, it is also worth considering that, compared to other countries, France has ordinary toys for raising children. In particular, this is manifested in the fact that soft toys are the most common and are used by parents. However, a possible feature of such toys is for playing with them and learning. Often, such toys contain various educational items that can teach essential things to the child by pressing on a particular part of the toy’s body (Loyal, 2017). In the same number in France, there are standard musical books mainly focused on teaching the child about the environment, but you can often choose some essential functions in such toys.
Conclusion
Raising and caring for children in France is no different from that in other countries. The main focus is often on keeping the child healthy and actively engaging and learning through toys and other activities. It is essential that, still, in France, the primary caregivers who take care of small children are mothers, but the percentage of men who are ready to take care of a child instead of their wives is also growing very sharply.
Reference
Loyal, D., Dallay, A. L. S., & Rascle, N. (2017). Intensive mothering ideology in France: A pilot study. L’encephale, 43(6), 564-569. Web.