Child Rearing Practices in Sweden

When good-natured and discreet Sweden garners international attention, more often than not it̵7;s because of its progressive social welfare policies and success in gender parity. Child-rearing practices in Sweden have also been the focus of many articles, particularly after a law was passed in 1979 banning corporal punishment by parents. In the decades since the passage of that legislation, its long-term effect on the rate of child abuse in the country remains a matter of debate, but there̵7;s no question that Swedish parenting styles have their own unique flavor.

  1. Equal Daddy Time

    • Sweden̵7;s parental leave laws provide generous leave for both the mother and the father̵2;up to 16 months, two of which are mandatory for fathers. This has created a culture in which parenting is seen by Swedish society as the equal responsibility̵2;economically, socially and psychologically̵2;of both mother and father.

    Emphasis on Work-Family Balance

    • While many Western countries still struggle with achieving the elusive work-family balance, Swedish culture and law have made it easier for parents to come as close as can be imagined to reaching it. Subsidized day care and universal education through college allow for both parents to pursue their respective careers without having to worry about finding or paying for adequate childcare. Eighty percent of Swedish children have working mothers, while 90 percent have working fathers.

    Social Emphasis Treatment of Children

    • In Sweden, children are seen as a ̶0;complete work right now,̶1; according to a Canadian author in an article in TodaysParent.com, rather than the ̶0;work in progress̶1; that many North American parents think of as their offspring. The emphasis is on creating a childhood that benefits the child and provides a good environment in which to be raised, rather than in preparing her for the future. While Americans might be thinking of what preschool in which to enroll their child while he̵7;s still in utero, Swedish parents aim instead towards providing children with an education suitable in which they may enjoy their lessons in a carefree and relaxed atmosphere.

    Government Support of Parenting

    • One controversial, but popular, parenting option in Sweden is the introduction of government-sponsored parenting classes, not just for parents of problem children but even those parents of "average" children with "average problems." The classes have grown in popularity, with up to seven percent of all parents enrolled in such classes in 2007. Classes cover parenting issues such as discipline, communication and behavior issues. Critics cite that the classes target too broad an audience and may be inappropriate for families who are not dealing with serious issues. Parents who have attended the classes, however, almost universally praise them.

    Social Embrace of Children in Public

    • Swedish children can be seen everywhere, as observed by the TodaysParent.com article contributor. Museums provide child-friendly tours and buses set aside space for the ubiquitous stroller. New parents receive a government voucher that they can take to the public library to receive a free children̵7;s book. The emphasis is on providing a nurturing culture and society that values children and their unique needs as they grow and develop.

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