Japanese Children's Independence: Imagine a 5-6-year-old child, a yellow cap on his head, a school bag bigger than himself on his back, and a stunning confidence in his eyes! This child is climbing the stairs of a crowded metro station alone, changing trains, and happily reaching his school. If such a scene were to be seen in India or any Western country, parents would be horrified. They would immediately panic. But in Japan? This is a common occurrence every Monday morning.
What's the fuss?
In Japan, it is considered completely normal for first-grade children to walk or take the bus or metro to school alone. This is ingrained in the culture. The interesting thing is that these children are never alone. There are small groups called "Han." Neighborhood children go together, and the oldest child in the group (around 10 years old) acts as the "captain" of the younger children and takes care of them. The adults don't accompany them; they just keep an eye on them from a distance.
How is this possible only in Japan?
There are three major reasons behind this:
“The whole neighborhood is the guardian”: According to Omakase Tokyo, there is no “my child, your child” mentality in Japan. Society there operates on collective responsibility. Shopkeepers, neighbors, and people at the station all know that these children need to be taken care of. The crime rate is so low that parents don't feel threatened.
The road to school is a classroom: It is believed that school isn't just in the building; the journey from home to school is also part of education. When a child finds their own way, they learn things that no teacher can teach.
Self-reliance: Japanese parents don't handle their children like glass vessels. They believe that a little struggle at a young age is necessary; only then will a child become strong.
What are the benefits?
Mental Toughness: If a child misses a train or loses their way, they learn to problem-solve instead of crying.
Incredible Confidence: When a child reaches school on their own, they realize, "I can do my own work."
Strong Friendship: The bond that children develop through walking and talking together can never be formed while sitting in the back seat of a car.
What's the lesson for us?
We're not saying you should leave your young child alone on the subway today, because the environment is different everywhere. But we definitely need to say, learn to trust your children. Give them small responsibilities.
The gist of the news is that sometimes the best thing for children is to let go so they can learn to stand on their own feet.
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