Weird Rules Kids Must Follow Around the World

The Infographics Show・2 minutes read

Children around the world are raised with unique cultural rules and practices regarding potty training, mealtime, respect, and screen time. These customs aim to teach self-reliance, responsibility, respect, and cultural values from a young age.

Insights

  • Different cultures have distinct approaches to child-rearing, such as enforcing early potty training in Vietnam and encouraging self-reliance in Kenya and Polynesian Islands.
  • Parents worldwide implement diverse rules, from bedtime practices in Spain to mealtime expectations in France, showcasing a variety of strategies to instill values and cultural norms in children.

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Recent questions

  • What cultural practices exist around children's bedtime in different countries?

    In different countries, bedtime rules vary significantly. Spanish families, for example, have a tradition of children staying up late to participate in social events, with bedtime around 10 P.M. On the other hand, French parents enforce strict rules on mealtimes and food choices, requiring children to eat what adults eat to become cultured. These cultural practices around bedtime and mealtime reflect the values and priorities of each society, shaping children's routines and behaviors accordingly.

  • How do parents in Vietnam approach potty training for children?

    In Vietnam, children are expected to be potty trained by 9 months old. This is enforced through whistling signals to indicate bathroom time, teaching children to recognize and respond to cues for using the toilet at a very young age. This early and structured approach to potty training reflects the cultural emphasis on independence and discipline in child-rearing practices in Vietnam.

  • What are some unique methods parents use to regulate TV watching for children?

    Parents employ various strategies to control TV watching time for children. Some implement payment systems where children earn TV time through chores or good behavior. Others may restrict screen time entirely on certain days or ground children to encourage outdoor activities instead. These methods reflect the diverse approaches parents take to manage their children's screen time and promote a healthy balance between technology use and other activities.

  • How do Kisii people in Kenya teach self-reliance to babies?

    The Kisii people in Kenya have a unique approach to teaching self-reliance to babies. They have a rule against babies cooing or crying, with mothers ignoring them until they stop. This practice is aimed at fostering independence and resilience in children from a young age, encouraging them to self-soothe and learn to manage their emotions without constant attention or intervention.

  • What cultural beliefs influence the practice of removing shoes before entering a home in East Asia?

    In East Asia, it is a strict rule to remove shoes before entering a home. This practice is based on spiritual and cultural beliefs related to cleanliness and respect for the home. By removing shoes, individuals show reverence for the space and maintain hygiene standards, reflecting the cultural values of hospitality and cleanliness in many East Asian societies.

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Summary

00:00

Global Parenting Rules and Traditions Explained

  • In Vietnam, children are expected to be potty trained by 9 months old, enforced through whistling signals to indicate bathroom time.
  • Kisii people in Kenya have a rule against babies cooing or crying, with mothers ignoring them until they stop to teach self-reliance.
  • Polynesian Islands have a system where children care for each other, starting with calming toddlers, promoting self-reliance and responsibility.
  • Spanish families have a rule where children must stay up late to participate in social events, with bedtime often around 10 P.M.
  • French parents enforce strict rules on mealtimes and food choices, requiring children to eat what adults eat to become cultured.
  • Russian parents have a rule against turning your back on someone, teaching children to always face others to show respect.
  • In India, children are strictly taught to eat only with their right hand, stemming from cultural beliefs about the left hand being dirty.
  • In East Asia, it is a strict rule to remove shoes before entering a home, based on spiritual and cultural beliefs to maintain cleanliness.
  • Some parents enforce a rule where all children at a sleepover must wear diapers to bed, regardless of bedwetting issues.
  • Some households restrict children from engaging with popular culture like Pokemon due to concerns about screen time and spending habits.

10:36

Parental Strategies for Limiting Screen Time

  • Some parents prohibit Pokemon due to religious beliefs, linking it to evolution.
  • Parents enforce strict rules against cheating in video games, like using money cheats.
  • Parents implement unique methods to regulate TV watching, including payment systems.
  • Parents use incentives like chores or good behavior to control TV watching time.
  • Some households restrict screen time entirely on certain days.
  • Parents may ground children to encourage outdoor activities instead of excessive indoor time.
  • Certain families use color-coding systems to organize belongings and reduce sibling conflicts.
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