Parenting in Sweden

The expats of Sweden have many views about the country. The Europeans complain about shyness of the Swedes, The Asians complain about the extreme weather and the Americans complain about the miniature food portions. I agree that all of the above is true. However, the country’s ideology is very progressive, and that cannot be overlooked.

I meet many Swedes who are self-critical regarding certain issues and do not see eye to eye with the current policies. However, I have noticed that the Swedes are extremely forbearing people. They have amazing patience and incredible tolerance. This has its positives and negatives in various ways – the climate, multi cultural and multi racial tolerance with the influx of foreigners, on humanitarian grounds regarding adoptions, punishments, gender equality, sexual preferences, social welfare and immigration laws.

But what I most admire about this country is its scientific approach to most issues. They are not very emotional people. But they have their heart in the right place. I meet innumerable adopted people who are in there 30’s and 40’s now from Asian & African continents. I have seen parents going through many difficulties to adopt children from such countries. But I have seen them doing it simply because they want to do it. Not because Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has done it. Not as a fad, not as a charity and certainly not out of pity.

I have also noticed that the Swedish parents are incredibly patient towards their little ones. They talk to their children, explain them, teach them, but there is not a trace of stress. I have never seen a Swede raise their voice. And I think these characteristics can be attributed to government policies and the incredible importance given on parenting and also the special employment benefits received when you are a parent.

Both the parents get extra benefits for spending time with their children. This encourages equal parenting. While it may be natural for mothers to be more actively involved in the bringing up of a child in almost all other countries. In Sweden, mothers are not solely responsible to bring up the children as fathers remain busy at work. Even ‘stay at home’ mothers get paid for spending time with her child. And working mothers get almost a whole year off with 80 % salary after pregnancy. As opposed to Americans who resume work in the 4th week after pregnancy. It is no wonder that most Swedish women who marry foreigners drag them back to their country.

In fact, the environment in this country is almost simulated, incredible freedom, no stress and extreme honesty. It is almost too difficult for the Swedes to adjust to any other country. But the Swedes are too polite and laid back to even complaint of this.