To begin, here are some facts about kindergartens. Kindergartens are divided into public and private institutions, all subsidized by the state. This means that parents always pay for a place, while the state covers the remainder. There is a place here for every preschool-age child, that is, from 0 to 6 years old. Both men and women work as caregivers in kindergartens. Groups have up to 20 children; generally, there is one caregiver for every 5 children, while in toddler groups there is one caregiver for every four children.

Interesting Facts About Norwegian Kindergartens

  • Every parent gives their child food to take to kindergarten every day. It is a sandwich with a piece of vegetable, as well as fruit to be cut up on a tray for everyone to eat together.
  • In Norwegian kindergartens, children drink tap water.
  • Every child must go outside every day, regardless of the weather. There is no bad weather, only bad clothing—one of the Norwegian sayings that proves entirely true in kindergarten.
  • If a child's clothes become wet on the inside, the child must move around more so as not to get cold. This is not a reason to return to the classroom. The same applies to a runny nose.
  • No one worries if a child does not eat when they are supposed to. They will get another sandwich, after all. After several hours of running around outside, they will certainly get hungry.
  • Staff are required to change diapers for very young children. However, there are sometimes three- and four-year-olds who still wear diapers. What happens then? Since a sense of shame begins to develop in children at this age, none of the staff change diapers for children that age. In other words: if you have not yet taught your child to use the toilet, it means they will spend the whole day in a wet diaper.

Myths About Scandinavian Stress-Free Parenting

Myth One: A Child Can Do Whatever They Want
There is a fixed daily schedule in kindergarten, and children must follow the staff's instructions. What if they do not want to? A staff member says: "You must ... (for example, go outside with the other children or sit at the table with the others), because everyone has to, and because I say so. If you continue to resist, I will take you there myself in a moment, and I am not joking." The staff member consistently takes the child by the hand and leads them there without asking their opinion and without showing annoyance. If a child does not want fruit or a sandwich, they have some freedom of choice. But in certain matters, there is no leniency.

Myth Two: A Child Is Not Taught Prosocial Behavior and Becomes Self-Centered
In Norway, great importance is attached to teaching children how to build relationships. They are constantly told that they have no right to hit others or take their toys. There is also a rule giving priority to toys to children who picked up a given item first. Older children in the group are taught to share and help younger ones. Everyone is required to tidy up the toys. Instead of punishing children for bad behavior, they are told that no one likes such behavior and that they must not act that way. Then, to release the tension, their attention is diverted from the problem by suggesting, for example, another game. Whenever possible, this approach avoids shouting, fights and tantrums among the children.

Myth Three: Non-Authoritarian Parenting Means a Lack of Authority
Children who try to impose their will on staff in kindergarten are told: "Hey, you are not the one who decides what we do today. Adults decide, and you have to listen to them, just as you listen to your parents at home." A lot is discussed with the children, and a lot is explained to them.

Myth Four: A Kindergarten Employee Must Not Touch a Child or Get Too Close, Because It Will Be Seen as Abuse
Assistants often pick up small children and cuddle them when they cry because they remember that their mother is absent. You must remember that there are also several-month-old children in kindergarten, for whom facial expressions, body movements and touch are the basic forms of communication. Older children are stroked on the head and hugged quite naturally, either for no particular reason or when they have hurt themselves and something is painful. Everyone behaves naturally, as if these were their own children.

Myth Five: Without Punishments and Rewards, a Child Does Not Know Right from Wrong
Norwegian guides for parents and kindergarten staff devote a great deal of attention to setting a good example. Firstly, because a child instinctively imitates adults, and secondly, because a good example will be retained in the child's memory more strongly than criticism.

To sum up, I will only add that I do not think Norwegian children are more disobedient than others raised in a more authoritarian style. I am also surprised by how strongly Polish parents criticize Norwegian kindergartens and their approach to children. Instead of taking offense, it is worth learning more about the subject; then it will become clear that there is much to learn from Norwegians in this area as well.
More on the Skandynawianka blog. We highly recommend it.