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A mother has sparked controversy by opening up about a new way to raise children that she claims she has discovered.
Monica Millington recently took to Instagram to talk about her experience raising her children overseas and learning about “European” parenting methods. “The European art of parenting was such an exciting concept to me, especially as an American who grew up with certain (terrifying) ideas of what motherhood should be like.” her caption began, showing a video montage of family moments.
“I read a book raise bebe And while it was amazing (and I think parents-to-be should read it), without knowing the concept of French parenting, Tom and I already knew that this was how we wanted to raise our kids. It was interesting because we were talking about it. ”
Ms Millington and her husband Tom currently live in Singapore for work reasons.
“Before I figured out this way of parenting (or before I realized that parenting can be whatever we want it to be), I honestly thought my house would look like a Fisher-Price spew. , I thought I would have to spend my own money. I spent days chatting with strangers in my mom's playgroup and spent Saturdays in a dirty play gym,” the mom continued in the caption.
“Don't get me wrong, we've sprinkled some of that into the mix, but we also love taking cruises to our favorite beaches on the weekends while we play and explore in the sand while sipping fancy lattes.” I also realized that I could.”
The mother also added that she takes her son to more “adult restaurants,” lets him sample the food, and lets him accompany her to dinner parties.
In the text overlap of the video, Millington says that she thinks of “European parenting” as incorporating the child into the current routine rather than a child-centered routine, meaning that only “child activities” are completely He explains that it means that it can be avoided.
She explained that she introduced the concept on social media because she wanted someone to emphasize to her that it was an option before she became a parent.
However, the comments section was divided between those who supported the concept and those who did not.
Some commenters mentioned how grateful they were to have been raised this way themselves.
“That's pretty much how I was raised. My parents would take me on vacations to historical places, and we'd cook, bake, listen to music, watch movies, etc. I read books that weren't “for kids.” I'm so grateful…I grew up with adults doing interesting things.Have conversations and learn interesting things instead of watching blue clues. It certainly was a fascinating childhood,” one commenter wrote.
Another commenter agreed: “That's how I was raised.” “My parents took me everywhere and brought coloring books and toys to keep me entertained. I certainly got bored at times, but they stayed with me. I felt like I was really enjoying myself.
“I feel like a lot of parents do 'kid activities' and then resent having to do it and can't wait to put their kids to bed and start drinking wine.”
Other commenters took a different view of this parenting method, arguing that it takes no account of what the child enjoyed and can lead to resentment between parents.
“I was brought up that way too (I'm Dutch). Personally, I felt really lonely and my parents didn't feel it was important for me to plan activities that I liked. I felt a little betrayed. I'm 28 now and I don't really talk to them anymore,” one commenter explained.
Another commenter agreed, writing: “'Children's activities' exist for a reason. Yes, they are beneficial, but so is dealing with little humans.”
Others disagreed that what Millington described was “European” parenting, with one person writing: We don't want to participate in this as we are busy enjoying the children's activities…”
“Do you think all Europeans raise their children the same way?” Another wrote, “It's a stupid made-up trend,” while another wrote, “I don't know what you think 'European' means. But I'm European and I'm 100% a parent and I live for my children. In fact, many European cultures (not just one) are amazing at valuing and prioritizing their children. Excellent.”
