“I don’t understand young mothers”

The point of view of Marcel Rufo, child psychiatrist

Your letter, Aurélie, shows that you are at the crossroads of interests concerning the education of children. It demonstrates your dynamism and the attention you pay to these issues. In order to be able to discuss with your interlocutors, whether younger or your age, do not hesitate to find out for yourself. Perhaps you could explore the most radical proposals on this subject: the most benevolent on one side, the most authoritarian on the other. And list what seems important to you in different educational visions: you will thus be able to discuss themes that you have determined yourself. Many grandparents know what you are going through, especially in the case of a bad relationship with a daughter-in-law. A very important point in educational matters can provide a bridge for discussion in a difficult context: what children and adolescents want to do later, the profession they are considering, either through identification with those around them, or as a new orientation. In any case, if you notice that tensions are appearing, know how to step back so as not to create a rupture.