Parenting cannot be done through a rule book. However, there are certain values that ensure that a child grows up to be a resilient individual. One such value is freedom and independence. In some parts of the world, parenting practices may seem surprising or uncomfortable to parents from other cultures, because they encourage independence in children from an early age. Here’s a closer look at how childhood independence is shaped in different countries: Japan Children under 6 take public transportation to school alone. The Japanese believe in fostering independence from childhood. They start with small everyday responsibilities, like carrying their own bags. When children grow up to the age of 6, they walk through neighborhood streets, take public transportation, and go to school without any adult supervision. In Finland, children walk or bike to school alone from about age 7. Finnish parents consider independence an essential part of growing up. In this European country, children up to 7 years of age go to school alone on foot or by bicycle. Finnish parents also promote outdoor play and self-reliance in children. He believes that children learn best when they are given the opportunity to think independently. DenmarkWhen parents go to cafes, they leave small children outside in the car. In Denmark, children are given so much freedom that may surprise parents in many parts of the world. For Danes, it is completely normal to see children sleeping peacefully in prams outside. It is considered safe and healthy for the parents there. Similarly, when children grow up, they are given complete freedom and encouraged to play outside. Germany Up to age 5, children are encouraged to play outside unsupervised. For Germans, independence is an important part of healthy childhood development. Parents of younger children sit on benches away from their children rather than hovering around. In Germany, children are also encouraged to walk to school on their own. In the Netherlands, independence and self-reliance are key cultural values instilled from childhood. The Netherlands is famous for its easy-going parenting style. In the younger years, children are encouraged to explore their physical limitations. From an early age, children are encouraged to explore their physical limitations. If a child falls on the playground, Dutch parents usually wait to see if the child can get up on their own rather than running to save them. Why These Parenting Practices May Not Work Everywhere. While freedom sounds entertaining in the above mentioned countries, it may not be practical everywhere in the world. External factors like road safety, crime rates etc. play an important role in determining how much freedom parents can give their children when it comes to things like going to school or riding a bike. Thus, what may seem normal in one country may not be practical in another. Message for parents It’s not about comparing one country with another, it’s about understanding the deeper message here, which is freedom. Giving children a chance to make decisions, solve problems and take responsibility for their actions helps them live life better.