Ideas about “good behavior,” respect, and independence are not universal. They are cultural.
Cross‑cultural research summarized in Kids and Parents and Kid‑Friendly World shows:
- Some cultures prize early independence (speaking up, making choices).
- Others prioritize interdependence (deference to elders, group harmony).
- Emotional expression rules differ sharply: in some places big feelings are aired publicly; in others, they’re managed quietly.
A “well‑behaved” child in one culture might look “too quiet” or “too bold” in another.
For global cities, schools, and tourism destinations, this means:
- Behavior must be interpreted through a cultural lens, not a single norm.
- “Kid‑friendly” design should include diverse images, languages, and ways to participate.
- Families feel most welcome where their way of loving and guiding children is not automatically pathologized.
Science can tell us how brains develop. Culture helps decide what we celebrate, ignore, or correct along the way.
