Playing in mud vs solving maths at 3: Indian man in Norway questions academic pressure on children in India

In today’s modern world, a child’s developing years have become a race to learn and perform fast to stay ahead. Academic pressure starts early, with toddlers as young as 3 being rushed to memorise the alphabet and solve basic math problems. In this process, a kid’s curiosity and imagination often take a backseat, which is crucial to their overall development. Vinod, an Indian man living in Norway, recently pointed this out on X. He drew a stark comparison between how children grow up in India vs. Norway, questioning the core idea of education itself.

How Norwegian children grow up

In his post, Vinod revealed that having lived in Norway for years, he cannot help but notice the difference between Indian and Norwegian children when it comes to education.

Vinod noted that in Norway, a child is allowed to play in the mud, climb mountains, and explore forests. They learn through interacting with nature and being a part of their surroundings. Apart from that, Norwegian children learn to solve their own problems through trial and error, fighting with friends and navigating situations themselves.

How Indian children grow up

Vinod noted that regardless of the season- rain or snow- they play outside, having a hands-on experience of everything. ‘Nobody rushes them to prove how smart they are. They are allowed to be children,’ wrote Vinod, before sharing how Indians differ in their approach to raising kids.

As per Vinod, the same 3-year-old in India spends most of their time in a classroom, surrounded by 4 walls, either learning ABCD or counting numbers and solving arithmetic. Even before they can unleash their creativity, they are made aware of the competitive world and are asked to always stay ahead of others. Sometimes, parents too are prone to coddling their children, which again hinders their growth.

India vs Norway education

‘Sometimes, I feel we are almost bullying our own children, both at home and in schools, all in the name of a better future,’ noted Vinod, adding that while one child learns how to live life to the fullest, another is simply learning how to perform.

Vinod argues that when these children come of age under the Indian education system, they eventually grow up with degrees, good salaries, and successful careers, but chances are they might spend their whole lives feeling they are not good enough.