Raising a Child in India Vs Netherlands: Dutch Woman Living in Mumbai Shares 7 Things That Surprised Her A Dutch woman living in Mumbai has shared her insights on the differences between raising a child in India and the Netherlands, highlighting cultural shifts, parenting styles, and daily life. After nearly nine years in India, Ivana, a Dutch mother, reflected on her daughter’s second birthday, offering a nuanced comparison of the two countries. She emphasized that the focus should not be on whether one system is better than the other, but rather on the unique trade-offs and learning opportunities each environment provides. One of the most striking differences Ivana noted was the role of community in parenting. In the Netherlands, she described a more structured and individualistic approach, where parents often handle responsibilities independently. In contrast, Mumbai’s environment felt more communal, with neighbors, family, and even building staff actively involved in a child’s life. “In Mumbai, the ‘village’ is real. From family to the community in your building, someone is always watching, helping, or playing,” she wrote. Adapting to this shared approach took time, especially for someone accustomed to a more independent lifestyle. Public life for children also differed significantly. Ivana observed that in India, children are generally accepted in most settings without restrictions, allowing families to navigate daily routines with greater ease. This stood in contrast to her experience in the Netherlands, where certain spaces were less open to young children. She noted that while this inclusivity was a positive, it also meant parents had to navigate a more flexible environment. Parenting styles also varied. Dutch children are often encouraged to be independent from an early age, such as cycling to school alone at eight.#mumbai #netherlands #amsterdam #ivana #dutch_woman
