We're too obsessed with child-centred' parenting in Spain, the happy family comes first | Letter

"I part company with Cosslett in her view that taking an enlightened position on this issue is co-terminus with a child-centred parenting style."

"Children in Spain learn from the moment they are born that they are members of a family first and foremost. The parenting style reflects the preeminence of the group, not the individual child."

"In my subjective experience, children brought up in a family-centred culture are far less likely to be attention seeking, are less demanding of their parents, and evince greater emotional security."

"I do wish we could all learn to lift our heads up and look at how other cultures parent their children."

The letter expresses disagreement with the notion that non-violent parenting must be aligned with a child-centred approach. The author argues that this viewpoint may overlook the merits of family-centred parenting styles, especially observed in Spain. Emphasizing collective family identity over individual needs, the author asserts that Spanish children display less attention-seeking behavior and possess greater emotional security compared to those raised in England. The author suggests that learning from diverse cultural practices could improve parenting methodologies in England, advocating for a broader perspective on effective parenting styles.

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