Global travel offers a unique opportunity to learn about different customs and practices that make cultures unique. Some of these practices, such as those related to parenting, can be shocking to American visitors. For example, in Japan, it is common for children to walk to school and run errands by themselves from a young age. This level of independence is unheard of for American children, but it may be attributed to Japan’s low crime rate. Japanese children also have significant responsibilities at school, such as cleaning and serving lunch, which could inspire American parents to encourage more independence and responsibility in their own children.
In Scandinavian countries, it is customary for babies to take their naps outside in their strollers, even in cold weather. The fresh air is believed to help babies sleep better and be beneficial for their health. While this practice has been going on for generations in countries like Denmark and Finland, it can be seen as controversial in the U.S., where parents may face consequences for leaving their child unattended outdoors. Instead of criticizing parents, efforts could be made to create safer public spaces for children.
In China, traditional infant potty training, also known as elimination communication, involves babies spending their days without diapers. Caregivers cue babies to urinate by holding them over a toilet, trash can, or bush, based on their signals. This practice not only reduces diaper use but also helps babies communicate their needs. Adapting practices like elimination communication could have benefits for reducing waste and promoting early communication skills in American children as well.
Italian preschoolers in Reggio Emilia schools engage in woodworking activities from a young age, using hammers and saws to build their own creations. This hands-on approach to learning encourages creativity and problem-solving skills in children. Similarly, French children are raised to eat like adults, without separate kids’ menus or dinnerware. This approach helps children develop a taste for all kinds of foods and limits picky eating habits.
European countries are also known for their relaxed attitudes towards nudity. Swimsuit tops are considered optional for children of all genders, and topless sunbathing is common on beaches. Similarly, Italian families often dine late at night as a whole family, with children falling asleep in their parents’ laps. While there are cultural differences in bedtime routines, research shows that Italian teens have better sleep hygiene compared to American adolescents.
In countries like India, children are often cared for by multiple generations within the family, emphasizing a collectivist approach to caregiving. This model of caregiving contradicts the individualistic, nuclear family approach common in the U.S. The Aka tribe in central Africa also challenges gender norms in parenting, with fathers taking on nearly half of the caregiving responsibilities. The interchangeable and flexible roles within the tribe demonstrate that caregiving can be shared among family members based on their strengths and abilities.
