3 ms·

While helicopter parenting is a thing here in Germany, too, it is still possible to use your sane judgement as a parent for a lot of things. My daughter is not

by geff82 9y ago

While helicopter parenting is a thing here in Germany, too, it is still possible to use your sane judgement as a parent for a lot of things. My daughter is not yet in school (so I am not into a peer group that talks about such stuff), but I see the 7-year-old neighbour kids walking to school without supervision, just as it has been the custom here in my own childhood. I have to admit there are fewer of those on the street (and more accompanied by parents), but kids still have the same freedoms in law that I had. Heck, in anti-gun Germany they are allowed to shoot at shooting clubs beginning 12, doing their first solo flight in (sail)planes at 14 and have their boat driving license at 16. I often critisize our country for its obese body of law, but life of kids is not too much restricted.

captainmuon 9y ago
Yes, exactly. In fact, kids are usually taught the way to elementary school in the last year of Kindergarten (for the non-Germans: "Kindergarten" here is approximately pre-school in the US. It is where kids go until they are about 6.) The social expectation is that every kid walks or takes public transportation (unless that is not possible). There are usually no dedicated school buses, but the public buses have extra timeslots. You meet your friends on the way to school, which is an important experience. Everything is safe, especially because it is the social norm. I have the opportunity to live either in the US or Germany, and the increasing craziness and hysteria around how children are treated is the major reason for me to stay with my family in Germany.
- wink 9y ago
  Interesting, first time I hear that thing about walking to elementary school in Kindergarden. Growing up in Munich (in the 80s) this was definitely not the case, least of all because not all children from the Kindergarden would end up in the same elementary school.
  - captainmuon 9y ago
    Yeah, I guess it is more of a small village thing. They go for walks anyway, and then it makes sense to explore the area around the school. In bigger cities, I've seen kindergarten trips take the S-Bahn. I guess that also counts as a kind of preparation.
foepys 9y ago
There currently is discussion about how parent should stop bringing their kids to school and let them ride the bus or walk. In the often narrow streets in front of German schools, parents drive their children to the gate of the school in their SUVs and endanger everybody around them.
- walterstucco 9y ago
  Not only in Germany Milan at 8.30 AM is like a battle field of screaming moms and nannies trying to get kids off these giant tank-like-cars but the car is parked in the middle of the street or on the sidewalk
- kaeluka 9y ago
  My mother, a former Austrian primary school teacher has, in her words "dragged this mother out of her car and showed her what could've happened." I think that the school doesn't let parents drop kids off right at the door any more for this reason, they have to go to the parking lot down the street instead. Most kids that live near walk or cycle to school (once they're allowed to). Edit: I think the school recommends that parents walk with the first graders for a certain time (those that are in walking distance) until they feel that the kid knows the way and the rules and feels safe.

by geff82 9y ago

captainmuon 9y ago

Yes, exactly. In fact, kids are usually taught the way to elementary school in the last year of Kindergarten (for the non-Germans: "Kindergarten" here is approximately pre-school in the US. It is where kids go until they are about 6.) The social expectation is that every kid walks or takes public transportation (unless that is not possible). There are usually no dedicated school buses, but the public buses have extra timeslots. You meet your friends on the way to school, which is an important experience. Everything is safe, especially because it is the social norm. I have the opportunity to live either in the US or Germany, and the increasing craziness and hysteria around how children are treated is the major reason for me to stay with my family in Germany.

wink 9y ago
Interesting, first time I hear that thing about walking to elementary school in Kindergarden. Growing up in Munich (in the 80s) this was definitely not the case, least of all because not all children from the Kindergarden would end up in the same elementary school.
- captainmuon 9y ago
  Yeah, I guess it is more of a small village thing. They go for walks anyway, and then it makes sense to explore the area around the school. In bigger cities, I've seen kindergarten trips take the S-Bahn. I guess that also counts as a kind of preparation.

foepys 9y ago

There currently is discussion about how parent should stop bringing their kids to school and let them ride the bus or walk. In the often narrow streets in front of German schools, parents drive their children to the gate of the school in their SUVs and endanger everybody around them.

walterstucco 9y ago
Not only in Germany Milan at 8.30 AM is like a battle field of screaming moms and nannies trying to get kids off these giant tank-like-cars but the car is parked in the middle of the street or on the sidewalk
kaeluka 9y ago
My mother, a former Austrian primary school teacher has, in her words "dragged this mother out of her car and showed her what could've happened." I think that the school doesn't let parents drop kids off right at the door any more for this reason, they have to go to the parking lot down the street instead. Most kids that live near walk or cycle to school (once they're allowed to). Edit: I think the school recommends that parents walk with the first graders for a certain time (those that are in walking distance) until they feel that the kid knows the way and the rules and feels safe.