What if parenting didn’t have to feel like a pressure cooker? What if fewer rules actually created more trust? What if independence came not from pushing—but from letting go?

After sitting down with parenting expert and globally-minded mama Emma Lundwall on the latest episode of MomShine, my entire perspective on parenting cracked wide open. Emma, who has raised her kids in both the U.S. and Sweden, shared how radically different Swedish parenting is—and how it’s working.

Turns out, they’re doing things very differently over there. And maybe, just maybe, we should be paying attention.

Here are five things I’ve learned about Swedish parenting—and how I’m starting to make some changes in my own life (and you can, too)!

1) Lead with Energy, Not Just Rules: The Swedish Parenting Approach

While this may be more Emma’s personal philosophy than a national Swedish norm, it aligns with the broader cultural emphasis on trust, connection, and dialogue over rigid discipline. In Sweden, kids don’t follow long lists of rules their parents lay out for them and are generally trusted early. Parents instead focus on how their energy impacts their parenting and leverage more communication, connection, and leading by example. That means your tone, presence, and overall vibe have more impact than your screen-time policies.

New habit I’m trying: Checking my own energy before I try to “correct” theirs.

2) Fostering Independence Early: Lessons from Swedish Kids

In both Sweden and Switzerland, fostering independence isn’t just a parenting choice—it’s a cultural expectation. Kids take public transport early (~starting in 1st grade), manage their own time, and are encouraged to explore. It’s all about confidence-building and preparing for real-life challenges. The culture is designed to encourage kids to take healthy risks, manage their time more responsibly, and have a system of support in place for their autonomy. Work schedules are designed around school hours, typically ending the day at 4 pm instead of 5 pm or later.

Shift I’m making: Trusting my kids with more small tasks. Packing their own bags, grabbing groceries with a list, and making their own breakfast.

3) Embrace the Outdoors: The Swedish ‘No Bad Weather’ Mentality

The Swedish have an expression: There is no bad weather, just bad clothes. Wouldn’t it be nice if schools didn’t close at the first sign of rain or cold? It’s not just about toughing it out—it’s about finding joy in nature, rain or shine. It’s a cultural norm that benefits both working parents and weather-proof kids. Things stay open to help working parents, and better yet, kids learn resilience, coming armed with raincoats, water shoes, and more, so they are prepared.

What I learned? Get them outside, no matter the cost. Stop complaining and grab a jacket instead!

4) Screen Time Wisdom: Swedish Parenting for Digital Natives

Emma doesn’t fight screen time—she approaches it with curiosity and connection. By removing the ‘forbidden fruit’ vibe, her kids are less obsessed and more aware of how screens impact their moods. 

The goal with screen time? Tune in and entrust kids by coming with curiosity and fostering self-regulation. If you stop making it forbidden, kids stop obsessing over it. Screens are treated like tools—not trophies. And they need to be more empowered to learn boundaries instead of fearing screens instead.

My reframe: Ask why they want the screen before saying no. And notice what it’s telling me about how their day’s going.

5) Collective Parenting: Finding Freedom & Community Support

Emma reminded me that good parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And sometimes, presence looks like a neighborhood food truck night where no one has to cook. Over 90% of moms work in Sweden. Why? Because the system is built for families—not against them. That includes real paid leave (480 days per kid, to be exact!), affordable childcare, and a culture of shared responsibility.

How I’m contributing: I hosted a free food truck night in my neighborhood, and it was a huge success! There was no cost other than each family buying what they needed, and our community was able to enjoy and connect. The food trucks were happy, too, on a mellow Monday! Because parents deserve a break—and a meal they didn’t have to make.

Final Thoughts: Swedish Parenting Mantras to Live By

We may not live in Sweden, but we can take inspiration from it. From how we show up with our kids to how we support one another, we can start shifting the system, one family at a time.

Want to hear the whole conversation with Emma?
🎧 Listen to Episode 322: Swedish Parenting—Ditching the Rules of the Old-Fashioned Way
Or catch it on YouTube!

Let me know on Instagram @momshine.co: What’s one Swedish-inspired parenting idea you’re excited to try?

Let’s keep shining,
Alicia ✨