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.
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.
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