The way that Chinese parents raise their babies seems to be quite different from that in Oslo. (I dare not say from those in western countries now, at least.)

First, in China women usually have to stay at home for at least a whole month after they give birth to their babies. We were told in old days they were even not allowed to take a shower! Of course things have changed a lot nowadays. But even though we were quite shocked when we see young parents took their TINY babies out with them.. (My friends said they were not as old as a month.)

Second, Chinese parents always over cherish their children by looking them as their own belongings. They are always afraid of everything. Parents will easily get nervous when they see their children wear little in cold weather. We can never fail to find good examples in this aspect. While in Oslo, I often see babies wear only thin clothes, they can even swim in the pond with nothing on!

Third, more fathers are seen taking care of children in public, which proves the saying “in Northern Europe women have a very high social standard…” But it is quite a pity that in many countries men neglect their responsibility and importance in raising babies, some Chinese fathers included.

Fourth, recently, another popular topic among us Chinese participants in Oslo is: should Chinese parents continue building the strong family tie with their children or should they set their children totally free as soon as possible? I can not give any opinion in their heated discussion though I am also wondering if I have a child one day, what kind of parent I should be… At least we had better not go to extremes…