Parents Who've Moved Abroad, What Are The Biggest Parenting Differences You've Noticed In Your New Country?
Several years ago, I read The Danish Way of Parenting. The book talked about leaving babies in their strollers in the backyard (with a window open) and parking a sleeping baby outside of a restaurant while dining. In the US, that would be considered dangerous and negligent.
Once, I had a parent who was originally from another country thank me for correcting my toddler when he tried to step out into the street without me. I was shocked, as I considered it normal parenting, but he said he didn't tend to see that kind of response from American parents.
So, I'd like to know. If you're a parent who has moved abroad, what are the biggest parenting differences you've noticed between the US and your new home? Have you felt shamed for parenting in the American fashion? Or did you move to the US from another country and experience parental culture shock? Did you learn new tricks you now swear by? Do you put on a facade and parent differently in public versus at home? Tell us all about it!
Or maybe you're a parent who moved to the US from another country and noticed something bizarre that American parents do. Letting children play with fireworks? Reciting The Pledge of Allegiance at school? Share your thoughts on the American parenting customs that surprised you the most.
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