Recently, I told a friend I was thinking about shifting back into a more full-time role. Her response surprised me: “But you’re so present with your kids.”
It hit me—why is that framed as an either/or? Can’t we be present and professional? Can’t we embody ambition and motherhood?
That tension is something I explored in a recent interview on my podcast with Emma Lundwall, a Swedish native and inspiring parent who shared how drastically different the parenting culture is in Sweden—and how much lighter it feels when there’s true systemic support behind working families.
She also pointed out a stat that stopped me in my tracks: The majority of mothers in Sweden work, well above the OECD average for maternal employment. Let that sink in. In fact, the country has a very large participation rate with nearly 90% of 25- to 64-year-olds employed on the Swedish labour market, according to statistics from the OECD. It’s not because they’re forced to—it’s because the ecosystem is designed to support them.
The parental leave entitles parents to 480 days of paid leave, divided equally between the two parents. From subsidized childcare to societal norms that value balance over burnout, Sweden is a living example that thriving as both a parent and a professional doesn’t have to feel impossible.
Here are 10 ways Swedish parenting differs from the U.S.—and why they matter more than ever:
1. Fostering Independence Early in Young Kids
Kids in Sweden walk to school alone (around age 4 and 5), are tasked to manage their time, and take responsibility from a young age. It’s about trust, and it’s modeled early and daily.
2. Prioritizing Outdoor Play
Rain or shine, children are expected to get outside. The national motto? “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.” And the kids? They’re better for it.
3. Minimal Overscheduling for Kids
There’s a cultural respect for downtime. Less chauffeuring to constant activities, more space for creativity, rest, and connection.
4. Gender Equality is the Norm in Parenting
Parental leave is not just available to mothers, and it is expected for both parents. This results in stronger co-parenting dynamics and a more shared mental load.
5. Avoiding Overpraising Your Children
Swedish parents celebrate effort, not just achievement. Resilience and persistence are core values over gold stars.
6. Play-Based Learning is Prioritized
Preschool isn’t about early academics—it’s about play, exploration, and curiosity. Learning is led by interest, not pressure.
7. Less Focus on Discipline, More on Dialogue
Instead of time-outs or punishments, Swedish parenting leans on conversation, empathy, and understanding.
8. Balanced Screen Time
Technology isn’t vilified—but it’s balanced with outdoor time, unstructured play, and shared experiences.
9. Encouraging Healthy Risk-Taking
Children are trusted with tools, allowed to climb trees, and encouraged to stretch their comfort zones safely.
10. Valuing Family Meal Time
Dinner is sacred. It’s not rushed or skipped. Families eat together, enjoy real food, and share their day, every day. A Harvard Study verified that 80% of teenagers open up with their families at the dinner table, and this has been shown to boost mental health for kids.
Final Thoughts: How to Change Your Parenting Mindset in the US
As I prepare for my next interview with elite athlete moms balancing Olympic training with school pickups, I can’t help but think: what if we could bring more of this balanced mindset home? What if we stopped glorifying the grind and started investing in support? What if our policies—and our parenting—reflected trust, balance, and respect?
The world doesn’t need more moms choosing between their ambition and their families. It needs more systems, stories, and shifts that allow us to fully shine in both. If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear in the comments. Check out my full episode with Emma up now on MomShine.