Luxembourg psychologist calls for the introduction of 'parental licences'
Josue Michel, Unsplash
In an interview with RTL Radio, psychologist and family therapist Gilbert Pregno expressed concern about the conditions in which children grow up in Luxembourg. In his opinion, modern life is not favourable to the emotional development and stability of children, especially young children.
Pregno noted the deterioration of the situation over the last 10 years:
- Lack of attention: parents and carers often do not put children's needs first.
- Problems with the child care system: multiple structures are uncoordinated and overcrowded schedules are harmful to children.
- The impact of technology: using mobile devices at an early age undermines brain development.
Pregno sharply characterised Luxembourg as "hostile to education", stressing that even positive measures such as maternity leave do not guarantee quality education. He advocated reducing children's overloaded schedules and added that "boredom is important for development".
The psychologist also suggested:
- Parenting courses: teaching expectant parents the basics of childcare.
- Parenting licence: a mandatory understanding of parents' responsibilities.
- Banning mobile devices before age 4: young children should avoid screen time altogether.
Pregno also noted a decline in the desire to have children due to financial and time costs, as well as the uncertainty of the modern world. Nevertheless, he called parenting "something extraordinarily beautiful" and expressed support for couples struggling with infertility.
