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The Scandinavian approach to parenting emphasizes practicality, equality, and debunks outdated myths. In Parenthood the Swedish Way, two Swedish medical experts provide guidance for raising well-adjusted, happy children in today’s world. Here are five key tips for parenting the Scandinavian way:
Share Parental Responsibilities Equally
Feelings of resentment can arise when one partner feels they are carrying an unfair share of responsibilities, whether it’s time, money, or freedom. Resentment is a natural signal indicating imbalance. To prevent this, it’s essential for both parents to share parenting duties evenly, building a strong bond between the child and both parents. Planning in advance with a partnership contract can help establish balanced caregiving and prevent falling into unintentional habits that place most duties on one parent.
Limit Purchases to Essentials
Many companies capitalize on new parents’ desire to be prepared, but a newborn truly needs only a few basics. Stick to essentials: some clothes, plenty of diapers, a mode of transport (like a stroller or baby carrier), and a car seat if necessary. Consider skipping items like a crib initially, as many babies don’t end up using them. Be wary of products that claim to monitor health or safety, as these can often lead to unnecessary anxiety rather than peace of mind.
Alcohol and Breastfeeding Can Coexist
It’s not necessary for mothers to pump and discard breast milk after consuming alcohol. The alcohol level in breast milk mirrors that in blood, meaning minimal levels will not harm the baby. A mother weighing 60 kg who drinks two glasses of wine will have about 0.05% alcohol concentration in her breast milk—a negligible amount.
Vaccinate Without Hesitation
Vaccination rates in Sweden are among the highest globally, with 97% of parents following the national immunization program. Vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, protecting children from life-threatening diseases. Participating in vaccination programs is a straightforward step to safeguard your child’s health.
Skip Allergy Testing Without Symptoms
An allergy, by definition, is a reaction to something harmless. Allergy tests often detect IgE antibodies, which indicate “sensitization” rather than an allergy. Sensitization without symptoms is common and does not require treatment. Avoid testing for allergies unless symptoms are present, as there is no evidence suggesting that avoidance is necessary based solely on sensitization.
