Why are Japanese children so obedient to their parents?
Japan has a unique upbringing method that makes children develop values such as respect for parents from an early age.
Children learn that they must be guided by their parents to be successful. Obedience, empathy and duty are instilled in them. Perhaps the only thing I don’t like about this method is that they are encouraged not to show their emotions.
The role of parents
The mothers are the ones who determine the education, and even the professional future that the children will follow. They are the ones who decide where the children go, what they will eat, what they will wear and what activities they will carry out. Hiring babysitters or going “ alone ” with your partner are frowned upon.
The relationship with the mother is so close that they sleep together, and they carry their babies all the time. Moms raise with love, no scolding, no rigor, they educate in a subtle way.
Japan has a very strict culture where compliance with the rules is very important, but always putting love first.
Responsibilities from a very young age
From a very young age they are assigned tasks and responsibilities ( dressing, bathing, picking up their things, etc ). As they grow, their work increases.
The parents’ idea is that their children become self-sufficient people, capable of resolving conflicts, from cooking to repairs and more household chores.
A Japanese boy at the age of 12 washes his clothes, dries them, puts them away, knows how to make simple meals and can do small businesses ( helping neighbors or selling things ), in order to earn money honestly. They are also taught to spend wisely.
Values, the key to the Japanese method
The Japanese base their education at all levels through instilling values. Empathy is a fundamental teaching. Children are taught that all their actions impact the harmony of society, the feelings of others and animals. Parents know that they must transmit values through example.
Regardless of school, children should be part of after school groups, a sport or cultural activity or club to learn to work together.
No negative words
In Japan it is avoided to use negative words with the children. It is very clear that phrases such as ” you are useless ” or ” you are very stupid ” can have a harmful influence on the personality of children, so they avoid them as much as possible.
At school, not only traditional subjects are taught, but disciplines that have to do with the environment, nature, good manners, respect and a winning mentality.
These are some habits that Japanese parents have had for millennia and that are part of day-to-day parenting:
- Eating as a family is a moment of union and respect.
- Avoid treating your children as if they were royalty, do not give your children more comforts.
- Avoid being overprotective of your child, let him fail when necessary.
- Don’t solve their problems for them. From suffering you will learn.
- Assign tasks for your children daily, whether extracurricular or from home. Set a specific and fair time for each one.
- Buy them less material things and give them more time.
