P
arenting styles differ across
cultures so greatly that
what is considered the norm
in some countries may be
illegal in others! For example, few in
Malaysia would bat an eyelid over the
use of the rod to discipline a child, and
even schools are permitted to cane
mischief-makers at their discretion.
However, in Sweden a very different
view on corporal punishment is taken,
and recently a Malaysian couple
was jailed for using this very form of
discipline on their children.
In Hong Kong, a melting pot
of different cultures, I've been lucky
enough to have the opportunity to
meet and befriend parents from all
over the world. Below are just a few
of the more interesting and unusual
cultural parenting quirks that I have
come across.
Japan: Toddler “training”
While in Hong Kong the thought
How we bring our children up depends largely on
which country we happen to live in, says
Sue LynnTan.
of toddlers riding the school bus by
themselves makes parents nervous,
Japanese children are often seen
riding the mass transport system
unsupervised, without a 'bus nanny'
in sight!
The most important means of
transport in Japan is its vast network
of trains and subways, and children
are taught from an early age how
to navigate this complicated world.
This is critical as many children
are expected to use the trains
independently on a daily basis, as they
head to school or for their various
activities. From as young as four years
old, children learn the ins and outs of
using the trains and subways – from
the fares and connections required,
to the recommended etiquette while
on board. This is an impressive feat
as Japanese mass transport systems
are known to challenge even the
most savvy adult tourists, with many
stations having multiple levels and
Parenting tales
from around
THE WORLD
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