Sharon Jayson writes in USA Today:
Call it the parenting melting pot, as mothers build on the American framework of raising children by importing the best practices of other cultures — whether the laissez faire approach of the French to the give-them-space allowances in Iceland to the unforgiving rigidity of China's "Tiger Moms." ....
Several recent books about parenting practices around the world have even become top sellers. And, since these moms have grown up largely with the Internet, are often well-traveled and have a diverse group of international friends, thinking globally is almost second nature. ....
For her new book, Parenting Without Borders, author Christine Gross-Loh gathered childrearing lessons from around the world and shares some, organized by country.
• Finland: Despite starting academics later (age 7), shorter school days (sometimes as little as four hours), less homework and more recess than American kids, Finnish children are among the highest achievers in the world.
• Sweden: "Don't control your kids: teach them to control themselves." Swedish parents believe in childrearing that combines gentle guidance and lots of freedom to make responsible choices for themselves. Swedish children are among the top on measures of well-being and happiness.
• France: Parents raise their children to enjoy the benefits of good food and assiduously cultivate their patience. They believe it's their duty to educate their children how to eat, as important as teaching a child to read.
• Japan: Japanese parents teach their children to always consider others from the time they're babies – they cultivate this social awareness the way parents elsewhere might cultivate their child's cognitive skills. Adults don't hover, but "let the children work it out," because being allowed ample practice in social interactions is what they believe to be the best way to raise kids of character who have a moral compass.
