Norway parents had their baby in Norway, I felt that “this is the ideal country to be a mother and to raise children.” At least, that’s what every Norwegian I met seemed to believe. (To read this article in French, see Élever des enfants en Norvège : à quoi s’attendre)

However, the idea of “ideal” is subjective. Does “ideal” mean the same thing for a French parent, an Indian parent, or a Brazilian parent? As a foreigner raising a child in a different culture and system, the experience can be challenging—especially when it’s not our native language, some of us don’t speak Norwegian, and this is not the way we ourselves were raised. Everything feels new, for both the child and the parent, and we must adapt simultaneously. And let’s be honest, some things are easier to adjust to than others.

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The perks and struggles of parenting in Norway largely depend on your approach to raising children and your goals—whether you plan to live in Norway long-term or eventually move and reintegrate your child into another school system. For instance, some parents love that there are no grades until age 13, as it relieves pressure on their children, while others think this is absurd and could harm their child’s prospects for higher education.

This article reflects the personal experiences and observations of Norway parents, but yours may differ—so feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

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What does one size fit all mean when raising children? Obviously we are all different and all different parents, but some rules are expected to be respected when in Norway. This mold is shown to you informally already at birth when you are sent with your kid to the local health station. Norway parents will check all sorts of things that are important for the Norwegian system, and encourage the parents in that direction. For example in Norway there is an expectation to breastfeed for one year, and other expectations in terms of starting solid food at 4 months with porridge, and other messages you hear, without being forced to comply, you are already as a parent and as a child taken in the “right” direction. Kindergartens, in which most children go from the age of 1 year old, is the start of the real mold, where kids are expected to start the day roughly at the same time every morning, eat at the same time (11am), eat the same food as other kids, nap at the same time, eat again, play outside, learn Norwegian, and get picked up by their parents. It is then expected they will eat again, be bathed and put to bed around 7pm. If your kid naps twice a day, eats other food, goes to bed much later, or comes in much later, it might be a problem. You will gently be asked as a parent to conform. Sånn er det i Norge. They also have lists of clothes they want you to buy, even though you might not think it is necessary you are “obliged” to accept their rules. This is the start of the conformist adventure of child-raising in Norway. It goes on for years and for every activity. There is one way of celebrating a Norwegian birthday for kids, one way to deal with child sickness etc.Make these sentence just changing the words.

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What does “one size fits all” really mean when it comes to raising children? Obviously, every child and every parent is unique, but in Norway there are certain norms and expectations that are generally followed. This framework is introduced informally right from birth when you visit your local health clinic with your baby. They monitor various important aspects of the child’s development and gently guide parents in line with Norwegian recommendations. For instance, in Norway, breastfeeding for one year is encouraged for Norway parents, and there are guidelines about starting solid foods around four months with porridge, among other practices. Parents are not forced, but both parent and child are subtly directed toward the “accepted” path.

Kindergartens, which most children attend starting at age one, mark the beginning of more structured routines. Children are expected to start their day around the same time each morning, eat lunch at 11 a.m., have the same meals as their peers, take naps at scheduled times, play outside, learn Norwegian, and then be picked up by their parents. After returning home, Brazilian parents are expected to eat again, bathe, and go to bed around 7 p.m.

If a child naps twice a day, eats different food, goes to bed much later, or arrives at kindergarten outside the usual hours, it may be seen as problematic. Norway parents are gently encouraged to adjust to the standard routine. That’s just how things are in Norway. There are also guidelines for clothing, which parents are expected to follow, even if they personally think it’s unnecessary.

This is the beginning of the conformist journey in Norwegian child-rearing, and it continues through many aspects of daily life. There is a prescribed way to celebrate a child’s birthday, a standard approach to handling illness, and other rules that are generally expected to be followed.

On the positive side, Norwegian society places a strong emphasis on the well-being of children. Kids are recognized and appreciated, and their emotions and needs are taken seriously. Some might view this as a downside, though, because it can sometimes lead to children having significant influence over family decisions—but if boundaries are set, they must be done kindly and thoughtfully.

In Norway, it is illegal to mistreat children in any way—physically, emotionally, or sexually—and such offenses are met with strict punishment. This has been established by a law enacted in 1987.

Preschools are heavily subsidized by the government, and children can access all types of healthcare free of charge.

The principle is that, regardless of whether a child’s parents are wealthy or not, everyone should have equal access to childcare and health services.

Children stay in kindergarten until the age of six, where they are given time to adjust to being part of a community, learning rules, and following a shared daily rhythm. They are encouraged to play together, handle conflicts, sing Norwegian songs, and explore at their own pace. What I find wonderful, coming from a strict French educational background, is that there is no pressure on the children. They aren’t required to be potty-trained by age three, as in the French system; they can nap as long as they need and are supported in being themselves.

Children are strongly encouraged to spend time outdoors, exploring and figuring things out on their own, including climbing trees and getting messy. Depending on your approach to parenting, coming home to find your child covered in sand every day during spring could be either wonderful or frustrating. Many kindergartens also take children outside, such as into the forest or wilderness, once a week. Kids carry their own backpacks with food, clothes, and water, walk independently, and follow the group for several hours at a time. For Norwegians, this represents the ideal childhood—immersed in “friluftsliv,” enjoying nature, staying active, away from screens, and free from modern distractions.

Some Brazilian parents might feel nervous seeing their 3-year-old trek through snow for an hour with a backpack, but Norwegian parents simply offer a promise of warm chocolate during a break.

When children are ill, parents can take advantage of “sick days for kids,” which are paid by the employer and don’t require the parent to work. Employers generally understand and accept this situation, and it is not considered anyone’s fault.

Many foreign parents have expressed concerns that their children do not always receive the necessary healthcare. For instance, a child might need antibiotics, but the doctor may refuse to prescribe them. Norway has very strict rules regarding antibiotics: doctors will only prescribe them when absolutely necessary, such as in the case of a bacterial infection. This approach is due to extensive research on antibiotic resistance, and the Norwegian healthcare system aims to minimize unnecessary use. If a parent believes their child needs antibiotics but the doctor refuses, it could be because the doctor has examined the child and confirmed that there is no bacterial infection, or because the doctor wants to wait and see if the condition improves on its own—a “det ordner seg” approach (“det ordner seg” translates to “it will sort itself out”). The first reason is medically sound, while the second can reflect a more careless attitude from some doctors. Parents from countries where antibiotics are more easily accessible may find this frustrating.

Another common concern among foreign parents relates to fever. In Norway, fever alone is not generally seen as a condition requiring treatment. It is considered a natural response of the body to fight infection, and unless it reaches high levels for a prolonged period, it is usually not regarded as an emergency. However, there are cases where doctors or ER staff may underestimate the severity of the situation. I have even heard a frightening story of a child who nearly died because ER nurses kept saying “det ordner seg.” Successfully getting medical attention often requires persistence: staying calm but firm, demonstrating genuine concern, and making sure a doctor evaluates the child. There is a delicate balance between being overly anxious and being appropriately vigilant.