Upon moving to the town of Mormanno, Creshonda Smith was surprised to see children playing outside late in the evening. In her hometown of Cleveland, US, children would typically be preparing for bed at this hour.

Smith was accustomed to a parenting style with clear schedules, where late-night gatherings were typically reserved for adults. In the US, many families hire babysitters when going out for dinner. If children are present at social gatherings, they often have a separate play area.

In contrast, in the mountainous town of Mormanno, evenings are family time. Parents often take their children to restaurants, cafes, or relatives' homes. Children sit at the same table, listening to adults converse. If they get sleepy, they can rest nearby. Through these experiences, children learn how to dine and behave in public.

Smith initially thought local parents were lenient about bedtime. After 12 years of living there, she realized that Italians believe children need to grow up within the family's shared activities.

A 2023 study on the sleep habits of over 4,300 Italian children and adolescents revealed that preschoolers typically go to bed between 9 PM and 10 PM, and even later on weekends.

Illustrative photo: Pexels

Sociology professor Nazareno Panichella at the University of Milan, Italy, stated that many families in the country prioritize family bonding over strict schedules. Late dinners are part of the parenting process, helping children learn to converse and adapt to social situations. This approach also helps parents stay connected to community life by bringing their children along instead of leaving them at home.

However, not all Italian families maintain this habit. Valeria Quintodei, a doctor living in Milan with two young children, typically has dinner with her family at 7 PM. Her children go to bed between 8 PM and 8:30 PM. Doctor Quintodei opts for a consistent schedule because she observed her children become irritable the next day if they stay up late.

Professor Panichella noted that more Italian parents are becoming interested in regular routines for their children. However, he believes shared meals will not disappear, as they are crucial for maintaining family bonds.

As for Creshonda Smith, she shared that she has found a balance. She maintains her principles regarding bedtime but does not separate her children from family gatherings. "The biggest lesson isn't about letting children stay up late, but about how adults give them a place in shared life," she said.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Business Insider, Yle)