Child Rearing Practices Around the World
Child Rearing Practices Around the World
China
- Based on Confucian ethics.
- Infants are believed to have an inherently good nature.
- Emphasizes interdependence, elders teach and govern children ("guan").
- Two periods of childhood: "age of innocence" and "age of understanding."
- Age of innocence (early years): lenient and nurturing.
- Age of understanding (around 5-6 years): stricter methods and training are implemented.
- Emphasis on culturally approved behavior and academic performance.
- Discipline is equated with love, concern, high expectations, and obedience.
- Values piety and obligation to parents ("hsiao").
Japan
- Children under seven are considered "belonging to the gods" (Shinto beliefs).
- Toddlers are encouraged to be sensitive and conform to social expectations.
- Mothers are responsible for discipline, explaining consequences instead of displaying anger.
- Grandmothers play a dominant role.
- Discipline becomes stricter at the “age of understanding.”
India
- Raised within a hierarchical kinship structure and Hindu religious beliefs.
- Values obedience to authority, passivity, and interdependence.
- Childhood is viewed as a sensitive time where children are moldable.
- Close mother-infant relationship with daily massages and co-sleeping.
- Infants are indulged, but guidance is recognized.
- Discipline is often strict with physical punishment sometimes used.
Egypt
- Children are valued and called “Amood el Agazah” (staff of old age).
- Good manners, morals, and self-control are instilled early.
- Emphasis on living with Ma’at (divine order of life).
- In rural settings, children work with families from a young age.
- In urban settings, families are smaller, with value placed on academic performance.
- Society sets strict codes of conduct.
Africa (Sub-Saharan)
- Children are highly valued; childlessness is the worst fate.
- The entire community is responsible for raising children.
- Elders transmit cultural values.
- Discipline centers around values children are expected to learn.
- Focus on developing social skills and humanistic values.
- Expectation for children to be "good" (follow tradition and care for parents).
Native American
- Children occupied a special place, taught to respect life, and viewed with love.
- Bothersome behaviors include disrespect, aggression, rudeness, and disobedience.
- Discipline methods: talking and explaining.
- In the Navajo culture, individualistic behavior is respected without punishment.
- Discipline through persuasion, ridicule, or shame.
- Corporal punishment is rare.
Latino Cultures
- Familialism (sharing and cooperation) is a prominent cultural value.
- Extended family support is the norm.
- Children are expected to be calm, obedient, courteous, and respectful.
- Discipline is often strict.
European Cultures
- Distraction tactics for young children.
- Rewards and withdrawal of privileges for older kids.
- Democratic parenting styles involving kids in rule-making.
- Outlawing spanking and implementing legislation that prohibits corporal punishment.