"The Bulgarian national character has changed a lot over the years. However, what folk psychologists have systematized at the beginning of the last century, we can still find to this day," says Dr. Diana Andonova, professor at Sofia University, "St. Kliment Ohridski" and author of the study "National cultural features in the context of childhood education models".
"The fear of taking risks, cowardice and suspicion is one of the characteristic features of Bulgarian parents. This also coincides with the uncertainty avoidance index. On the playgrounds here and in Germany, you can clearly see the difference," she added, quoted by BNR.
Modern parenting styles can be divided into three large groups– authoritarian, authoritative and liberal. Many Bulgarian parents define themselves as authoritative, which is the most balanced category. In it, the parent is consistent in his requirements, prohibitions and permissions. The liberal style allows too much power to the children and lack of boundaries, while the authoritarian puts only the parent's opinion at the fore.
According to Diana Andonova's research, social networks and new technologies seriously affect parenting. "Many mothers spend time on social networks, the influence of Western culture is great. We acquire traits of American parents because the influencers who are followed massively are like that. Unfortunately, many negative parenting practices also come from there"
The sore problem of screen addiction is also touched upon in the study. Children with special educational needs are jumping like an avalanche, and the diagnosis of "screen autism" has even been recognized.