Parenting in America can be a high-stakes game. A mom living abroad, however, has discovered an alternative approach to motherhood - one that values caregivers and children over profit.
When I caught up with a friend in California who recently got kicked out of a restaurant because her toddler was having a meltdown, it sparked a realization. As someone who had experienced similar pressures while raising a family in America, I now see how my expectations as a parent were influenced by the societal norms that seemed to prioritize adult convenience over childcare.
While maternity leave is standard practice in many developed countries, America's lack of universal healthcare and childcare options left me scrambling for solutions. The cost of hiring a part-time nanny for our infant room was a staggering $2,200 per month - a financial burden that added stress to an already overwhelming situation.
In contrast, Italy has made parenting more accessible with its public healthcare system and affordable childcare options. As a result, my days are no longer filled with mental math, trying to find the cheapest alternative for my child's care. Instead, I have the support of a community that values caregivers like myself.
The cultural shift in Italy is not just about policy; it's also rooted in everyday gestures that prioritize children and their caretakers. Strangers smile at my baby and toddler as we walk through the streets, and restaurant workers hold them while I eat - small acts that demonstrate a societal appreciation for the joys of parenting.
As I navigate motherhood in Italy, I'm reminded of what it means to be seen and supported. This approach has transformed my experience as a parent, making me wonder what it would look like if America valued mothers in a similar way. Would our restaurants be more welcoming to families? Would we have access to affordable childcare options that prioritize working parents?
The exhaustion of parenting is universal, but the societal structures that shape our experiences are not. As I share my positive experiences with friends back home, I'm reminded that there's another way - one that values caregivers and children as much as they value profit. It's a radical idea, perhaps, but one that could fundamentally change the way we approach parenting in America.
When I caught up with a friend in California who recently got kicked out of a restaurant because her toddler was having a meltdown, it sparked a realization. As someone who had experienced similar pressures while raising a family in America, I now see how my expectations as a parent were influenced by the societal norms that seemed to prioritize adult convenience over childcare.
While maternity leave is standard practice in many developed countries, America's lack of universal healthcare and childcare options left me scrambling for solutions. The cost of hiring a part-time nanny for our infant room was a staggering $2,200 per month - a financial burden that added stress to an already overwhelming situation.
In contrast, Italy has made parenting more accessible with its public healthcare system and affordable childcare options. As a result, my days are no longer filled with mental math, trying to find the cheapest alternative for my child's care. Instead, I have the support of a community that values caregivers like myself.
The cultural shift in Italy is not just about policy; it's also rooted in everyday gestures that prioritize children and their caretakers. Strangers smile at my baby and toddler as we walk through the streets, and restaurant workers hold them while I eat - small acts that demonstrate a societal appreciation for the joys of parenting.
As I navigate motherhood in Italy, I'm reminded of what it means to be seen and supported. This approach has transformed my experience as a parent, making me wonder what it would look like if America valued mothers in a similar way. Would our restaurants be more welcoming to families? Would we have access to affordable childcare options that prioritize working parents?
The exhaustion of parenting is universal, but the societal structures that shape our experiences are not. As I share my positive experiences with friends back home, I'm reminded that there's another way - one that values caregivers and children as much as they value profit. It's a radical idea, perhaps, but one that could fundamentally change the way we approach parenting in America.
about being judged for not having control over ur toddler at restaurants, it's like no one even considers how hard it can be to manage a tiny human in public 
! And that $2k monthly nanny fee is insane 
- I mean I get that America values convenience, but shouldn't family time be a priority too? 
Italy sounds like such a breath of fresh air for parents everywhere, especially those struggling with the US childcare system 
Can we imagine if American restaurants started offering kid-friendly spaces and free play areas or something? That would be a total game changer for working parents trying to balance work and family life 
this is like so inspiring!!! 
the Italian system sounds like such a game changer for parents especially with those affordable childcare options 
and it's not just about policy its also about the vibes you get when you're out and about 
we need more places where families can feel welcome and supported without breaking the bank 
. Our restaurants need to stop being so extra and start caring more for families. We should be able to eat a meal without the restaurant staff freaking out because our kid is having a meltdown 
[GIF of a mom being smothered by her toddler while eating at a restaurant]
yeah i feel like america is super harsh on parents esp when it comes to work-life balance 
their public healthcare & affordable childcare options are everything 
its not just about policy tho, its about the little things like strangers smiling at u with ur kid 
or restaurant workers holding them while u eat 
like whats wrong with america? 
cant we do better than this? 
