10 Japanese Parenting Techniques Worth Considering for Parents

When we talk about Japan, we not only remember the famous sashimi dish or the samurai warriors known for their loyalty, courage, and honor. This country is also famous for its parenting style, which helps children become well-behaved, polite, and intelligent. In this article, Mytour Blog will share with you 10 Japanese parenting techniques that parents should consider learning.

How do Japanese and Vietnamese parenting styles differ?

There are many differences between Japanese parenting techniques and those of Vietnam. We can easily notice them in daily habits such as:

In Japan, children sleep in their own beds and rooms from an early age instead of co-sleeping with their parents.

Japanese children walk to and from school on their own or are taken by the school bus instead of being driven by their parents/adults.

A compilation of the most admirable Japanese parenting methods worth learning.

Effective Strategies for Disciplining Children

How can we improve discipline? Discipline is the foremost virtue instilled in every child in Japan. It is manifested in everyday situations. For instance, children must know to eat on time, queue when shopping, cross streets properly, and never engage in pushing or jostling.

To achieve this, parents serve as exemplary role models for their children to emulate. Through consistent repetition, children's minds are engraved, and these behaviors gradually become second nature. Disciplined children are obedient, understanding, and do not cause trouble for themselves or others in public places. Conversely, if parents themselves lack discipline, it becomes challenging for children to distinguish between right and wrong.

Encouraging Self-Discipline in Children

One of the reasons behind the renown of Japanese child-rearing methods is the early cultivation of self-discipline. Even at a tender age, children know how to sit properly in their chairs, hold chopsticks and spoons, and eat obediently without needing to watch cartoons on their phones. After finishing their meals, children are taught to tidy their trays, wipe the tables and chairs clean, and maintain personal hygiene.

This practice is not confined to homes; it extends to all schools in Japan from primary to junior high. In fact, students are even assigned schedules to take turns going to the cafeteria to collect food for their classes, dividing it into individual trays for their classmates. To instill the same sense of self-discipline in your child as Japanese children, it's important to cultivate it from a young age and in every situation.

Teaching Children about Respect and Fairness

Despite being young and inexperienced, Japanese children are taught about equality. When they make mistakes, children still face appropriate consequences suitable for their age. Furthermore, fairness is demonstrated through school regulations mandating identical uniforms, shoes, and backpacks to eliminate discrimination based on wealth.

Regarding respect, this is clearly shown in the cultural practice of bowing at a 90-degree angle. This graceful gesture is instilled in Japanese children from a young age. Regardless of occupation, whether it's a janitor, chef, or electrician, everyone is treated equally and deserves respect. Respecting others' interests and privacy is also something rarely violated by Japanese individuals.

Teaching Children about Gratitude

Children learn to express gratitude to their parents for bringing them into the world and nurturing them, to their teachers for guidance, and even to seemingly insignificant objects. They are also taught to be thankful to those who lend a helping hand in times of need.

Encouraging Children to Showcase Their Inner Talents

Supporting children in expressing their inner talents is an intriguing aspect of Japanese child-rearing methods that you should emulate. Children not only learn cultural subjects in school but are also encouraged to pursue passions such as painting, music, cooking, sports, etc. They participate in camping trips, extracurricular activities, to boost their confidence. Additionally, they acquire various social knowledge and interpersonal skills from a young age.

Always Being Patient with Your Child

Young children lack understanding and are prone to mistakes. Everything takes time for children to remember and eventually become habits. For example, spelling, bowing, saying thank you, washing dishes, etc. Parents should cultivate patience, calmly explaining things that children are curious about until they understand. If parents are hot-tempered, it will make children fearful and hesitant to ask questions.

Avoiding Blame When Your Child Makes Mistakes

When a child makes a mistake, the Japanese will point out the error, administer appropriate punishment without physical violence, criticism, or repeatedly emphasizing the mistake in front of others. They believe this doesn't help children improve but rather distances the relationship between parents and children. Instead, Japanese parents gently remind with seriousness in private.

Guiding Children in Research and Exploration

Children in Japan are encouraged to explore and learn about their surroundings from a young age. Because when they are curious and find solutions on their own, they will remember it longer. For example, children are taught how to use a dictionary. Then, whenever they encounter an unfamiliar word, they will eagerly search for its meaning. This method of learning is both proactive and doesn't feel forced or boring.

Avoiding Generalizations or Imposing on Your Child

An effective Japanese parenting method is not imposing strict rules on children. Parents in the Land of the Rising Sun try to listen and understand their children's psychology, allowing them to comfortably pursue their interests. This helps children grow up in freedom, without being overly shy or withdrawn, but instead, they will confidently explore the world with a positive and open-minded attitude.

Appropriate Praise for Your Child

Children need praise and encouragement whenever they do well. However, praise needs to be tactful, timely, and not overly exaggerated. This helps limit feelings of complacency, arrogance, and gradually losing effort. Children still know where they excel so they continue to strive, but without becoming conceited.

Here are 10 fascinating and effective Japanese parenting methods that parents can refer to in the process of raising children. If you need to purchase Japanese parenting books, don't forget to visit Mytour - a reputable and high-quality e-commerce website. There are many books covering various topics that you may be looking for.

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