Navigating the Multicultural Parenting Journey: Blending Asian and Western Approaches in Bali

Simen Platou, a Norwegian expat living in Bali, shares his unique perspective on raising his two young children in a cross-cultural environment. Drawing from his own upbringing and the local parenting styles, Platou is learning to strike a balance between Asian and Western approaches, creating a nurturing and enriching experience for his family.

Embracing the Best of Both Worlds: A Multicultural Parenting Odyssey

Bridging the Cultural Divide: Navigating the Nuances of Parenting in Bali

Growing up in Norway, Platou experienced a parenting style that was both strict and relaxed. With low crime rates, he enjoyed a significant degree of independence from a young age, often venturing out on his own to explore the neighborhood and play in the nearby forest. This sense of freedom and self-reliance is something he hopes to instill in his own children.However, the realities of Bali present unique challenges. The lack of proper sidewalks and the bustling traffic make it more difficult for young children to roam freely, at least for now. Platou acknowledges that his kids, aged 1 and 3, are still too young to venture out on their own in the same way he did as a child.

Embracing the Closeness of Asian Family Dynamics

One of the key differences Platou has observed between Norwegian and Asian parenting styles is the emphasis on family closeness. In Bali, it is common for parents to share their sleeping space with their young children for an extended period, a practice that contrasts with the more common sleep training and "cry it out" methods prevalent in Norway.Initially, Platou and his wife, Jen, tried the sleep training approach, but it didn't feel right for their family. Now, they embrace the close-knit sleeping arrangement, even though it means sacrificing some of their own sleep. This sense of togetherness extends beyond the immediate family, as Platou's wife's sister and mother also live in Bali, creating a strong support network.

Fostering a Multicultural Upbringing

Raising their children in a multicultural environment presents both challenges and opportunities for Platou and his family. At home, they employ a multilingual approach, with Platou speaking only Norwegian, Jen communicating in English, and their children also learning Bahasa Indonesian from their nanny and Jen's mother.While this can sometimes lead to confusion in communication, Platou is committed to maintaining the Norwegian language with his children, hoping that they will eventually start responding to him in his native tongue. The family's exposure to Balinese culture and traditions, however, is more limited, as the expat community tends to gravitate towards international schools rather than local ones.

The Perks of Raising Kids in Bali

Despite the cultural differences and challenges, Platou believes that Bali offers a higher quality of life for raising children compared to Norway. The availability of affordable help, such as a nanny who assists the family until the afternoon, allows Platou and Jen to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, with the freedom to eat out more frequently and order food delivery.The island's climate and abundance of outdoor activities, from beaches to playgrounds, provide ample opportunities for the family to explore and enjoy their weekends. Platou also appreciates the close-knit community of friends with children, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences.While Platou acknowledges that he will always be seen as a foreigner in Bali, he and his family have embraced the island's vibrant culture and the unique blend of Asian and Western influences that shape their parenting journey. By drawing from his Norwegian upbringing and the local Balinese traditions, Platou is creating a nurturing and enriching environment for his children, one that celebrates the best of both worlds.