The Times of India

Parenting looks completely different here: 5 countries that raise independent kids from an early age

Parenting cannot be followed through a single rulebook. However, there are some values that make sure a child grows up being a resilient individual. One such value is independence and freedom. In some parts of the world, parenting practices may feel surprising, or even uncomfortable, to parents in other cultures because they encourage independence in children from an early age. Heres a closer look at how childhood independence is shaped in different countries: JapanChildren as young as 6 take public transport to school alone.The Japanese believe in promoting independence from childhood. They start with small everyday responsibilities such as carrying their own bag. When children grow up to the age of 6, they walk through neighborhood streets, take public transport, and commute to school without any adult supervision. FinlandChildren walk or bike to school alone starting around age 7.Finnish parents consider independence an essential part of growing up. In this European country, children as young as 7 walk or cycle to school on their own. Finnish parents also promote outdoor-play and self-reliance in children. They believe that children learn best when they are given the space to think freely. DenmarkWhen parents visit cafes, they leave little kids outside in prams.In Denmark, children are given a level of freedom that may surprise parents from many parts of the world. For Danes, the sight of babies sleeping peacefully outside in prams is completely normal. For parents there, it is viewed as safe and healthy. Similarly, when children grow up, they are given complete independence and are encouraged to play outside. GermanyBy age 5, children are encouraged to play outside unsupervised. For Germans, independence is an important part of healthy childhood development. Parents of young children sit on benches far away from their kids rather than hovering. Children in Germany are also encouraged to walk to schools on their own. Netherlands Independence and self-sufficiency are core cultural values instilled from toddlerhood. The Netherlands is renowned for its hands-off parenting style. In toddler years, children are encouraged to explore their physical limits. From the toddler years, children are encouraged to explore their physical limits. If a toddler falls at a playground, Dutch parents typically wait to see if the child can get up on their own rather than rushing to rescue them.Why these parenting practices may not work everywhere While freedom in the above mentioned countries sounds amusing, it may not be practical everywhere in the world. External factors such as road safety, crime rates etc. play an important role in determining the level of freedom parents can give their children when it comes to things like commuting to school or riding a bike. Thus, what may feel normal in one country, may not be practical in another. The message for parentsThis isnt about comparing one country to another, its about understanding the deeper message here, which is independence. Giving children the chance to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions helps them navigate life better.