A debate over parenting styles in France has grown more intense, with conflicting opinions on whether children should be raised with firm discipline or through a kind and considerate approach inspired by American methods. Journalist Madeleine Schwartz explored this issue in an article for The New York Times Magazine, speaking with two French psychotherapists: Caroline Goldman and Isabelle Filliozat. Goldman supports a return to stricter parenting, arguing that children today are becoming more difficult to manage due to overly permissive approaches. In 2022, she publicly called for the use of time-outs, where children are sent to their rooms during crises to establish boundaries. She links the rise of "child-free" spaces—areas where adults avoid being around children—and an increase in behavioral issues among youth to this relaxed parenting style. In contrast, Isabelle Filliozat has long promoted what is known as "positive parenting," an approach that emphasizes understanding and responding to a child's emotions with kindness and patience. Filliozat has written fifty books on the subject and hosts popular podcasts that explore these themes. She is also a regular advisor to the French government, reflecting the influence of her ideas in public policy. Her approach focuses on building strong emotional connections between parents and children, believing that this fosters better behavior and mental health. The debate reflects a broader conversation in France about the best ways to raise children and how different parenting methods affect both individual development and societal norms. As the discussion continues, it raises questions about the balance between discipline and compassion in shaping the next generation. While Goldman and Filliozat represent opposing sides of the spectrum, their dialogue underscores the complexity of parenting in modern society. The outcome of this debate may influence not only family life but also public policies and educational practices in France.