‘Better or worse isn’t the point’: Dutch mom breaks down 7 big parenting differences in India vs Netherlands

March 23, 2026 - 21:15

A Dutch mother's insightful breakdown of the key differences between raising children in India and her home country is resonating with parents globally. Currently living in Mumbai, she emphasizes that her observations are not about which style is superior, but rather a fascinating look at contrasting cultural approaches.

She highlights seven major distinctions, starting with the concept of personal space. She notes that in India, community involvement is high, with strangers often freely offering advice or interacting with her child in public—a stark contrast to the more reserved, private norm in the Netherlands. Another key difference is the approach to food; Indian parenting often involves tailored meals for children and persistent encouragement to eat, whereas Dutch children typically eat the same food as adults at set times with less pressure.

The mother also points to attitudes toward sleep schedules, with routines being more flexible in India. Furthermore, she observes that Indian parenting often involves more direct physical assistance and quicker intervention for a child struggling with a task, promoting interdependence. In contrast, Dutch culture strongly encourages independent problem-solving from a very young age. Her honest, non-judgmental comparison has sparked widespread discussion, reminding viewers that there are many valid paths through the journey of parenthood, deeply shaped by cultural context.