Parenting is the best of times and the worst of times… So we need to keep an open mind to what works for other parents in this big world, even if it seems a little unorthodox. Let’s share some parenting strategies, tweak them if necessary, and then see what happens. Maybe we’ll learn something new or at least have a little fun.
Did you know that parents leave their babies outside sleeping in their strollers in sub-zero temperatures in Denmark and Norway? They do it because they believe it helps lung development and the overall health of your baby. Can we borrow something from these parents?
Now let’s move on to the parents in Kenya. Parents in this part of Africa avoid making eye contact with their children when they believe their children are engaging in attention-seeking behaviour. The results of this type of parenting are better educated and less selfish children. Can we borrow or share something from the parents in Kenya?
Fast moving to Vietnam now. Vietnamese parents teach their babies to pee by whistling. As soon as their babies begin to urinate, Vietnamese parents emit a hissing noise. Eventually, through a progression of steps, Vietnamese parents make their babies urinate when the whistle is blown. The result is that Vietnamese babies are potty trained and out of diapers by 9 months. Is there anything we can borrow or share from Vietnamese parents?
Finally, heading to Japan, we will see parents who allow their children to ride the subway alone from the age of four. Japanese parents believe that this teaches their children independence. I couldn’t imagine this one catching on in New York City in the US. However, is there anything here we can borrow or share with Japanese parents?
Now, as my grandfather always said, “Go learn, lead, and pave the way to a better world for all of us.” He doesn’t feel too proud to borrow from other parents around the world when it makes sense for him to do so. And once again parents, thank you in advance for all you do and will do…
