The 'strange' things Spanish parents do raising their children

"In Spain baby girls are adorned with ear studs before they even leave the hospital. Those parents who choose not to violate the velvety soft lobes of their new-born daughters will be forever having to correct people on the true gender of their baby. Dressing head to toe pink just won't be enough."

"Children stay awake late into the night, joining their parents in restaurants long past 10pm and tearing round terrazas with other youngsters on warm summer nights while their parents enjoy a drink or dinner with their friends. It is not unusual to find young children curled up in a chair."

Spain is considered an excellent country for raising children due to favorable weather, safety, and widespread cultural appreciation for children. However, Spanish parenting practices often surprise foreign residents accustomed to different traditions. Notable differences include the common practice of piercing baby girls' ears before leaving the hospital, contrasting with delayed ear-piercing in other cultures. Spanish children typically lack strict bedtimes and frequently accompany parents to restaurants and social gatherings late into the evening, remaining awake past 10pm. This relaxed approach to children's schedules reflects broader Spanish cultural values emphasizing family integration and social participation rather than rigid routines.

Read at www.thelocal.es