The Mind-Blowing Truth About Parenting in Spain vs the US

Raising children in Spain is simpler and safer. And more fun, not only for kids but for parents, too.

My friend’s friend was in Spain last weekend. She works as a nurse in New York City and lives in New Jersey. She is a wonderful mother to her 10-year-old daughter.

My husband was celebrating his forties birthday at our new homestead and she joined us with her daughter.

There were at least 10 other children at the party. They went off on a hiding and seeking spree, did an egg hunt, a treasure hunt, and went to the river and lake. They had complete freedom throughout the day until 7 p.m.

I noticed the Jersey friend was always asking where the kids were and worried something will happen to her girl. She was not used to letting her go on her own.

When we told her to have fun, I replied, “This is Spain, where children are free range and secure to be on their own.”

Kids are simply having fun as they should while in Spain.

She added:

It reminds me of when I was a kid and children were free.

I raised my daughter in the US for the first 8 years and then we moved to Spain. Here is my observation of how raising children is easy, and almost effortless.

I recall when I first became a mother and parent in the United States.

It’s remarkable that being a mother, and a parent in the First World nation, was an uphill struggle, dealing with many concerns that shouldn’t be addressed in such a developed country.

Freedom

In Spain, as I mentioned, children are free to play outside, go on bikes, and hike as they please. The village and small towns are totally safe.

They may play in their neighborhood or take the bus from age 10, even in big cities.

In the US, kids are driven everywhere until they are 16 and then they drive themselves. They are so used to driving that walking for 10 minutes is a challenge. My daughter in Spain walks miles a day without noticing.

Walking is considered exercise!

Safety

There are no school shootings, no psycho killers on the loose. Kids can go out and play. There are very few cases of children being abducted. In Spain, people look out for each other, especially for children. I never had to worry about my daughter as I did in the States.

Simplicity

In the US, some children as young as 6 years old had scheduled time for a playdate and when the alarm on their wrist went off, they needed to go home. Many times, the playdate was only 30 minutes long.

In Spain, there are no playdates, no enrichment classes, and no scheduled activities after school or on weekends. Children go to school and then they come home and play with their friends in the neighborhood. That’s it. They are kids which don’t need to be entertained all the time. They need time to be bored, to use their imagination, and to daydream. And they do!

Healthcare

In Spain, all children have free healthcare. They can go to the doctor or the hospital anytime they need to. There are also free vaccinations for all children.

In the US, there is no free healthcare and many people cannot afford to go to the doctor. This means that many children do not receive the medical care they need.

My daughter has both universal(free) and private insurance (30 Euros a month).

I have no worries about going to the doctor as needed.

Education

In Spain, all children receive free education. They can go to public schools or private schools. Private schools are not as common as in the US, but they exist. In the US, many children cannot afford to go to good school because the quality of education is driven by a zip code.

So, if you live in the less desirable zip code, then you are out of luck. In the United States, school absenteeism is considered a crime, and children are given worse grade if they’re caught. Parents are summoned to the school to meet with the social worker if their children are absent for long periods.

Childcare

In Spain, there are many free or subsidized childcare options. There are also many stay-at-home moms and dads. In the US, childcare is very expensive and most families cannot afford it.

For example, my friend is self-employed, here in Spain, and the government pays fully for her 2 years old daycare.

Free.

If you are at home and you still want to send your kid to daycare, then you pay around 300 euros a month.

Hobbies and Classes

In Spain, children do not have to take extra classes or activities outside of school. If they want to join a soccer team or dance class, then they can, but it is not mandatory.

In the US, many parents feel like their children have to be in 10 different classes and activities to get into a good college. This puts a lot of pressure on both the children and the parents.

Also, an Aikido class or Aerobic class twice a week for 15 euros a month. Five classes of skiing with the bus and instructor cost me 200 euros. The classes here are super affordable and you won’t go broke.

Kids are included in adult activities

Even at bars, kids are a part of the community when our village has any concert or festival. You don’t have to hire a babysitter, and they can stay as long as they want.

The fun and entertainment activities are for everyone. Children too. And you don’t need to watch them, they know, to find their way around. They play at the square.

What do Spanish parents do Americans don’t?

Spanish parents let their children be kids. They don’t micromanage their lives or protect them from every single hurt. They know children need to experience life, both the good and the bad, to grow into resilient adults.

So, the next time you are feeling stressed out about your parenting skills, take a deep breath and relax. You are probably doing a better job than you think. And if you are ever in Spain, just sit back and enjoy the show. The kids will be just fine.

So, in conclusion, parenting in Spain is easier and simpler than in the US. There are fewer rules and regulations and more freedom for children. This allows children to be kids and enjoy their childhood. It also means that parents can relax and enjoy their time with their children.

What is your parenting experience Melissa Frost and Anastasia Frugaard? I want to hear about it.