Dutch Woman Reveals Key Differences Between Parenting In India And Netherlands A Dutch mother living in Mumbai has shared her reflections on raising a child in India, highlighting significant contrasts with parenting in the Netherlands. Ivana, who has resided in India for nearly nine years, reflected on her experiences as her daughter celebrated her second birthday. She emphasized that while comparing parenting approaches between the two countries is common, the focus should be on understanding the inherent compromises of each system rather than judging one as superior. Ivana noted that the most striking difference lies in the sense of community. In the Netherlands, she described parenting as a solitary endeavor, often requiring long-term independence. In contrast, Mumbai offers a robust support network where family members and neighbors actively engage in child-rearing. She admitted it took time for her Dutch mindset to adapt to this "village" mentality, where assistance and companionship are readily available. Public spaces in India also stood out to her. Unlike in the Netherlands, where children are sometimes restricted in certain venues, Indian public spaces are more welcoming to young children. Ivana observed that children are seamlessly integrated into social settings, which contrasts with the more guarded approach in the Netherlands. She further explained cultural differences in parenting styles. Dutch children are encouraged to be self-reliant from an early age, such as walking to school alone, while Indian parenting emphasizes mutual support and community involvement. Ivana highlighted how her daughter is growing up in a trilingual environment, effortlessly navigating Dutch, English, and Hindi.#mumbai #india #amsterdam #ivana #dutch_mothers
