Editorial: how nice to raise kids in Estonia?

Photo: Erakogu

In Postimees today, child care options at concert halls, sports clubs etc are covered. Partially, answer to question posed in headline depends on options of a parent, together with kids, to consume culture.

Is there a few hours of exit from the «kindergarten-work-kindergarten-home-sleep-kindergarten …» rut? Not a trivial issue, such moments often helping families stay together. Some time just for them two, the parents. Hence, the kids will feel the benefits.

Like aptly illustrated by instructions on aircraft: in emergency, Mom or Dad don the oxygen mask first, then the kid. To be able to protect, support and develop a kid in every situation, a parent’s wellbeing needs to be ensured. Also, social learning theory says the kids copy behavioural patterns of parents: if a kid never sees the parents regularly attend cultural events or do sports, why would they?  

Thus, the evening childcare may play a role broader than it seems. This is not Mom and Dad fleeing their little ones, but a brief stay-away resulting in the kids’ good. And let’s not forget: for single parents, child care is crucial.

Covered in Postimees are companies possessing playrooms or even child care – adult attendants paid to keep an eye on what’s going on. An example perhaps to others, though one would argue that larger cities do have child care options as such.

Preferred above these is for kids to be with people whom they know and trust. Even so, not all can afford a nanny. Thus, considering today’s urban and «grandparent deficit» lifestyle, child care comes with the package. In times past, it used to be the grandparents who used to enjoy the little ones’ company while sharing their lives’ wisdom – with the added benefit of giving the younger generation a break.

The big answer to «How nice to raise kids in Estonia?», in addition to framework set by the state, is a sum total of a myriad of minor and major issues, of services and their quality, and the general attitude guiding entrepreneurs and executives towards thinking about the needs of families with children.