An inside look: how family life in the United States differs from Russia

Everyone knows that different countries have different traditions, food culture and mentality. But there are also differences in attitudes towards marriage and parenting. author blog "50 shades of gray" on Yandex.Zen talked about the differences in family life in Russia and the United States.

Photo: Shutterstock

She claims that the approach to family life is more thoughtful and aware.

Are in no hurry to start a family

The blogger says that Americans are very responsible when it comes to starting a family. They don't get married after a month of relationship. And in general, early marriages in the United States are very rare. Partners try to get to know each other as best as possible, live together for some time in order to understand how compatible they are in everyday life, strive to assess the level of responsibility and the degree of trust. And only then - an official marriage.

“Perhaps this is because in America, getting married and divorcing are two costly and energy-consuming processes. People prefer to get married once and for all to avoid unnecessary hassle. We were recently at the wedding of a colleague of my husband. Jason and Nancy dated for several years. Both are 38 years old and for each it was the first marriage, ”the blogger writes.

On the subject: Russian vacation in America: the most popular leisure activities among the diaspora

In Russia, such a late marriage is skeptical. The bride would be called an "old maid." Americans, on the other hand, spend their years on getting an education and building a career, and then on family ties. It is not surprising that there are many strong marriages and several times fewer divorces in comparison with Russia.

Select a companion by status

In addition, Americans perceive marriage as a long-term project with equal partnerships, so they are serious about choosing a life partner. It is important for them that the spouses have equal status and position in society.

“This is not so much a question of commercialism as an indicator of the same intellectual level and worldview. In Russia, of course, this is much simpler and at the same time more complicated - people, as a rule, are guided by feelings,” notes the author of the blog.

“There used to be a young couple next to us. He is a middle manager with prospects for career growth. She is a saleswoman in a shoe store. When they broke up, without having time to legitimize the relationship, the young man shared that they had different views on life. This greatly influenced the relationship,” the blogger shares.

Raising children together

“I really like the American approach to the birth and raising of children. Even at the stage of pregnancy, young dads are actively involved in the parental role and no less spouses feel responsible for the child, ”the author notes.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

Even the couples visit the doctor together. The husband is interested in the condition of the pregnant wife, her analyzes, and with the birth of the baby, he takes on half of the responsibilities of caring for him and, of course, upbringing.

“When I gave birth to my eldest son, my husband worked hard, and I had a house, a child and a household. I do not remember a single case when a spouse would get up at night to a crying baby, - the author writes. - However, I did not ask him about it, realizing that he needed to sleep after a hard day. And in America, parental responsibilities are usually divided in half, so young dads can not only get up at night to the baby, but also change the diaper. "

Trying to give children independence

In America, it is customary to let children go free swimming at the age of 18, so they are prepared for an independent life from an early age. It is not uncommon to see teenagers delivering mail, walking strangers' dogs, or driving a lawn mower on a neighbour's property. This kind of part-time job helps children not only have pocket money, but also understand their value.

If the student wants an expensive laptop or game console, parents can help him with the purchase and give him some money. But he will have to earn the main amount himself. This practice is not very popular in Russia, therefore, children under 30 years old often sit on their parents' necks and do not seek to work.

Read also on ForumDaily:

What is the difference between McDonald's restaurants in the USA and Russia: traveler's impressions

Seven favorite Soviet sweets that are not sold in the USA

What our immigrants in the USA are silent about: personal experience

Personal experience of a businessman: how much taxes do I pay in the USA and Russia

Why did I win the green card, but two months later I returned home

Ukrainians are behind US space flights: how immigrants send Americans to the stars

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.