Not surprisingly, parents from various parts of the globe have different ideas about how to raise the next generation. Here are some of the differences in parenting styles from around the world. Parents in Denmark often park strollers on the sidewalk and leave their baby to sleep outside while they enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Many of their strollers have high tech baby monitors so parents can keep an eye on their little ones while they’re shopping or dining indoors. Even in below-freezing weather, babies are often bundled up and put down for a rest in their strollers in the cold temperatures. Parents believe it’s better for kids to have fresh air and they think it reduces their risk of catching a cold or flu from the indoor air. With one of the best education systems in the world, they may be on to something. Frequent breaks in their routine may help children stay on task longer. Although the legal age to purchase alcohol is 18 in most countries of Europe, a drink with family supervision is not seen as concerning. While the practice is changing, you still may see a young person take a drink with family. Some research indicates that tasting wine with a family dinner or while under adult supervision may reduce a child’s chances of developing substance abuse problems later in life. Since Sweden’s ban on corporal punishment, the list of countries that ban spanking children continues to grow. Currently, 52 other countries prohibit parents from using physical punishments on children. Many schools offer much longer time to sit at the table and lunch breaks are often followed by leisurely playtimes. Lunchtime is an opportunity to be social and try new foods. French parents believe it’s important to slow down and savor meals. And they want their children to practice slow eating from an early age. Mothers are entitled to 90% of their regular pay before and after the birth of their child. And after six months, the duration of the maternity leave can be transferred to the child’s father. When outside, children may squat or be assisted by parents when they need to go to the bathroom. But, they don’t need their pants lowered and they don’t need diaper changes. Ultimately, kids become toilet trained faster. Diapers have been used more widely in China in recent years. But in many rural areas, parents continue to use open-crotch pants. Young children may also run simple errands for their parents. It’s not unusual for children to be sent to the bakery or a grocery store to pick up a couple of items. Japanese parents want their kids to be independent. The later start to school doesn’t seem to slow down their children’s educational development, however. Liechtenstein claims to have a 100% literacy rate.
