Foreigners who visit Japan and interact with the locals will often report being pleasantly surprised by how mature, calm, and self-sufficient they find the Japanese children to be. These observations are often made by non-Japanese visitors and visitors who have had limited interaction with Japanese culture. Gaijin, which literally means “outsider”, and is used by Japanese to refer to foreigners, is also very telling. “Outsiders” in Japan are often left in the dark, leading many to speculate based on public observations. This lack of information leaves outsiders unable to know things that the Japanese do, leading many to do research and make assumptions based on what they can see from the outside looking in.
There are many theories about the behaviors of Japanese children and their development in the family. From socialization theory to attachment theory, there is a lot to learn about how these cultural factors shape a child’s future. One of the most complicated aspects of child development is the concept that there are many different factors that play a role in this process. Some factors are cultural, temperamental, maternal, and many more. It’s not surprising to find that there are many questions and there are plenty of answers.
1. Each child is an independent individual
According to the author, one of her first things that he learned was that children should be encouraged to be independent. Kids would go to school unaccompanied, even if they used public transport. This is because the parents wanted the children to be independent and have the ability to take care of themselves when they are out. It has a low crime-rate, making it an incredibly safe place to raise a family. Parents feel that their children can trust the community to look out for them when they need it.
2. Talk softly
You may have noticed that Japanese trains are quite quiet. Even parents with young children keep their voices low. A child playing in the train or making loud noises is bound to cause people some discomfort.Restaurants are no different. Parents who allow their children to run amok in restaurants often find themselves called “irresponsible”. To ensure that all diners feel comfortable and enjoy their experience, some restaurants might impose age restrictions on all diners. We would like to kindly advise you to avoid bringing your child to a restaurant where he/she might make a scene.
3. Attention to your emotions
It is important to teach children the value of sociability and empathy to help them live in a community. It’s important for us to teach children how to respect others and their feelings and interests in order to make positive contributions, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Japanese mothers have been shown to be very sensitive to their children’s emotions and don’t make them feel ashamed or embarrassed by them. They help their children learn how to understand other people’s emotions as well as inanimate objects.
“Poor car, it will cry.” This is a phrase popularized by Japanese parents to teach children to treat their belongings with care. For a more direct and explicit instruction, “stop it” might be more appropriate for European parents.
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4. Parents are not open to talking about their children
Japanese parents are not like most who need to share their parenting struggles and tribulations with one another in order to get through the day. Rather, they only share their problems with those they have built a trusting, longstanding relationship of friendship with.
They also believe it to be bad etiquette to mention their child’s activities in public. Doing so can come across as boastful, showing off that their child is a member of a soccer team or attends an academy.
Helicopter parents, on the other hand, celebrate every achievement of their child like it is their own. They are the ones who reflect back every academic award and sports trophy. Without them, their children will not be able to adapt to the challenges of the world.
This does not mean that Japanese parents are not concerned about their children’s success. Japanese parenting culture is very competitive, so there is a lot of pressure on parents to get their children into the best schools and give them the best start in life. It takes a lot of hard work to prepare for entrance exams and keep up with an education plan for them.
5. All children are born equal and fair
Japan’s well-known education system states that children can do whatever they want before the age of five. From five to fifteen years old, the child is under their parents’ rule. From fifteen years on, children are considered adults and their parents are considered equal. This is a philosophy which emphasizes members working together, with personal interests being the most important. Japanese parents should try to raise their children in harmony, and they will help them to set goals and not underestimate themselves.
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6. They make it fun to eat.
In recent years, the parenting style in Japan has been garnering international attention. They use bento boxes which are known to be the perfect lunch for children. School lunches in Japan have become a worldwide phenomenon, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a great way to get children eating better without boring them.
A recent survey has found that the health of Japanese children is among the best in the world, with children eating a varied diet which is made even more interesting by having them help prepare their food. For example, Japanese children are often involved in cooking and chopping vegetables as well as packing their own lunches in fun ways such as with cute animal shaped bento boxes.
7. Japanese children are taught proper behavior and cooperation
Children are taught from an early age to be respectful of one another and have a peaceful attitude when dealing with others. The adopted philosophy is “Others first” Respect is the key to living a happy and peaceful life. Japan is a safe, wonderful place for children to grow up in, but that doesn’t mean that they can do whatever they want without any repercussions.
8. Do not punish the child; punish the behavior
Parents often get upset and punish their child. The parents punish the child with consequences, but if you think about it, this is because they are embarrassed and want the child “obey”.
It is better for children to understand that their behavior has consequences and that there are consequences to be faced. This is a Japanese parenting technique that we use as well; by understanding the simple formula of discipline and punishment, these children are able to accept their wrongdoing and know what mistakes to avoid in the future.
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9. Patience
Despite the differences in culture, one commonality across the board that has been observed is how Patient Japanese parents are to their children. They seem to be able to calmly handle a situation where their child is making demands without resorting to threats or punishment. While Western and Latino parents may lose their cool and resort to punishments. The Japanese have a deep understanding of the idea that every phase is temporary and that there will be periods in life where we will behave in a way that might not seem ideal or virtuous. They know that this is just one phase, and it will eventually pass.
Let your child be who he is. He can follow a schedule throughout the day and feel successful even if he needs guidance along the way. This is normal for any child. Patience is an essential quality that can often be difficult to attain. It involves patience with oneself and also patience with others. It is about giving a child the space to grow, to explore and discover without fear of judgment or ridicule.
10. Children learn from their parents the values they hold dear
When parents are able to supervise and instruct their children, they are able to develop skills, routines, and patterns of behavior that will help them in their future endeavors. When children become more independent, parental supervision and instructions become less necessary.
11. Japanese parents don’t believe in publicly praising their children.
Japan does not show public affection or praise for their children. This is because it is believed that if kids are told they are great or getting good grades, they will not be motivated to try harder. They encourage independence and believe that praise should be given privately to help kids grow and succeed.
Parenting in Japan produces incredibly kind, patient, and compassionate children. They are valued and loved, which is a result of being shown respect.
This parenting style can be very challenging for Western parents. Do you want to try it?