How children are raised in Scandinavian countries

1. Don’t buy too many toys

Local parents find their children lose focus if they have too many dolls and toy cars. A small number of toys gives kids the opportunity to use their own imaginations and appreciate what they have.

2. Encourage the child’s desire for self-expression

At the local playground, you won’t hear a mother screaming to keep her son out of the way. Scandinavian children are allowed to touch dirty stones, jump in puddles, etc. Children can play as they want, without any restrictions. If a child returns home from a walk in clean clothes, then the parents say that he did not go for a walk.

3. Allow children to walk even in bad weather

The Norwegian language has a special word – friluftsliv, which literally translates as “free life in the air.” In other words, it is the ability to stop to enjoy nature and the surrounding beauty. Today this word denotes a certain philosophy inherent in this culture. Scientists argue that this approach can help reduce stress, improve relationships with loved ones, and increase the level of endorphins responsible for feelings of happiness. In addition, good weather is rare in Scandinavian countries. Therefore, their residents, in principle, are not afraid of bad weather: they just dress warmly and believe that the cold strengthens their immune system and helps them better cope with various viruses.

4. Do not forget about the role of the father in the family

Dads are responsible for all day-to-day responsibilities, and this began with government programs that encourage fathers to take maternity leave. In Norway it lasts six months, in Denmark – 4 months, and in Sweden – 3 months. Holidays are fully paid by the state. Under these conditions, fathers can spend more time with their children, actively participate in their lives, and move away from patriarchal values ​​and principles.

5. Go in for sports, but do not chase medals

Children begin to engage in various sports from childhood. Parents do not judge success by results and do not control how well one or another type is suitable for their child. If an overweight girl wants to do gymnastics, her parents will have nothing against her choice, and the coach will support her in every possible way.

6. Forget about physical punishment

In 1979, Sweden became the first country in the world to officially ban physical punishment, both at school and at home. All conflicts should be resolved through discussion. If someone sees that a parent even spanks their child slightly, they will immediately call the police. In this case, the child can be sent to another family, and the parents can be placed in a pre-trial detention center. If it is proved in court that the parent regularly physically punished his child for several years, then he could be sentenced to one and a half years in prison, warns Brightside.

7. Do not follow gender stereotypes

When a child is born, parents do not buy pink or blue clothes for him. Children are dressed in neutral colors. There is also a measure of practicality in this – the clothes can then be passed on to younger children. Toys are also bought regardless of gender, so as not to impose stereotypical gender roles. Scandinavians have gender-neutral kindergartens, where children are not separated by gender.

8. Teach a child to love his body

Scandinavian parents allow their kids to run naked in their backyards (even in bad weather). They do not say that it is embarrassing, but, on the contrary, they encourage children to explore their own bodies so that they do not feel embarrassed if they have to undress in a public place, for example, at the pool or on the beach.

9. Encourage independence in the child

Local dads and moms prefer children to make their own decisions and be free. Children are allowed to do some household chores: washing dishes, etc. Of course, mom would do it better, but the children do it themselves, which is the most important thing. The freedom and trust of parents helps children become more responsible.

10. To teach children to take care of their dental health

The healthier your teeth are from childhood, the less you will have to spend on them with age. Sweden even has special state dental programs for children. They use special techniques to help children get rid of their fear of dentists.

11. Do not load the child with circles and sections

Scandinavians do not try to teach their child a foreign language and synchronized swimming at the same time. Parents value the time they can spend with their children. According to Scandinavian philosophy, children should have a time when they do nothing, but only play. It is believed to help children develop important skills, control their emotions, and develop their imaginations.