Parents, you’re going to want to hear this latest batch of parenting secrets — whether or not you’re already an international aficionado who follows French parenting tips about how to get your bébé to eat their haricots and has fully outfitted your home in Danish hygge style. It’s time to turn your attention to another European country where parents are getting major props lately: Sweden.
In There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, by Swedish-born Linda Åkeson McGurk, the author reveals the many ways we American parents are coddling our kids (largely indoors) these days. McGurk moved to Indiana from Sweden, got married, and had two young girls. But she started to notice her kids’ childhoods were starkly different from the one she herself experienced while growing up in small-town Sweden. Mainly, McGurk found that so many American parents and schools alike saw kids going outdoors to play as a “liability” — in fact, she noticed the playgrounds and parks in her Indiana community would sit empty for much of the year.
Fed up after being told her girls weren’t allowed to swim in a creek in a public park (because, again, liability), McGurk swore there had to be a better way. So she packed up and moved the whole fam back to Sweden. There, her children spend hours each day outdoors for unstructured play no matter the weather. And the difference she’s noticed in their mood and behavior is like night and day.
Then there’s the upcoming book, The Swedish Way to Parent and Play by Kristina Henkel & Marie Tomičić, out December 10, 2019. In their book, Henkel and Tomičić dig deep into the Swedish disdain for gender norms — and why it’s so important that we not only let our kids choose their own non-gendered roles, but also actively encourage them.
“It’s things like saying to boys that Batman is taking a break from fighting crime to pick up his kids, or that Barbie can be out fighting crime,” a representative for Henkel and Tomičić tells SheKnows. “It’s about not disciplining girls for getting dirty while playing outside, and letting boys know it’s okay to cry and that even superheroes need hugs sometimes. The point of the book isn’t to reverse gender stereotypes or to totally eradicate gender — it’s about showing boys and girls that there is a variety of ways to be that doesn’t need to be predicated by whether they’re a boy or a girl.”
Are you ready to sign your kids up for the Swedish life? Here are some more secrets from the Swedes.
Kids thrive off fresh air
Swedish babies start napping outdoors shortly after they are born — yes, even in freezing winter temps. Parents there swear the practice helps prevent diseases and is healthier than breathing indoor (“stale”) air. While you might not want to leave your baby napping outside stateside (you could technically get arrested for that) there’s an important lesson to learn here: The benefits of fresh air are real. Kids who spend more hours outside per day have fewer sick days, are more aware of their senses and even have better attention spans and less anxiety and depression. Instead of cutting recess in favor of more academic time, Swedish teachers believe fresh air is crucial — and integrate it into part of every school day.
There’s no such thing as bad weather — only bad clothing
As they grow, Swedish kids bundle up and play outside year-round, even when it is raining or snowing. And it’s really not a big deal, McGurk insists. Because (no surprise here) kids actually love splashing in puddles, sledding and making snow angels. It’s usually the adults who have trouble adjusting to the idea of sending their littles outdoors when the weather is wailing and gross. But the next time the forecast looks dreary, McGurk recommends simply putting on another underlayer (or a raincoat and Wellies) and heading outside with your kids, even if it is just for 10 minutes to start. You’ll likely notice a real difference in kiddo’s mood — and even your own — for the rest of the day. Note: This doesn’t apply to every scenario. Obviously, if there’s a tornado, keep your kids inside.
Kids can be independent learners
Yep, there’s more than just nature and fresh air in a Swedish parent’s toolbox. One surprise for McGurk when she moved back to Sweden was that young kids there weren’t pressured to read and write before age 3. Instead, they are encouraged to spend their time exploring and coming to each new skill on their own. That way, they develop more of a passion — and hopefully become lifelong learners. The same goes for sports; instead of being pushed into athletics by their parents, Swedish kids are encouraged to explore and try different things on their own time. Eventually, they just might find something they love.
Confident kids who take risks come from parents who don’t hover
You won’t find many helicopter parents in Sweden. That’s because the Swedes believe in “freedom with responsibility” — allowing their kids to get out and play and explore on their own for hours at a time. Kids in Sweden wander the yard alone and often go to parks and around town under the supervision of older kids. Of course, living in a country with virtually zero crime rate makes this a lot easier to get on board with. Does it sound impossible where you live? Well, American parents can still encourage kids to play independently, even if they are supervised, stresses McGurk. For example, try not to immediately interfere the next time a conflict or challenge arises between your child and a friend. Letting the kids figure things out for themselves could work wonders for their confidence.
Gender roles are meaningless
You probably already knew that Scandinavia is big on equality. And as it turns out, gender-neutral parenting starts from birth. Some doctors in Sweden won’t even tell new parents the gender of their baby until he or she is born — none of that heavily color-coded, heteronormative baby shower nonsense. Later, there are gender-neutral preschools where teachers don’t use gender-specific pronouns like “him” or “her.” In Sweden, Boy and Girl Scout troops are merged into one; girls are encouraged just as much as boys to get outside and learn about nature — and, of course, to get dirty. Often, kids just leave their dirty clothes in the garage or get hosed off before coming back into the house. Everyone has a good time, and there’s absolutely no fuss.
Most of the secrets of Swedish parenting aren’t all that revolutionary. In fact, the idea of playing outside for hours and being able to take risks without adults constantly interfering might even remind you of your own childhood. Sure, the world has changed a lot since then. But the moral of the story: Don’t be afraid to let your little ones take the lead on when, where and how they want to play and learn. And for crying out loud, let them go out in the rain and snow. Just be sure to bundle them up first.
A version of this story was originally published in February 2018.
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