How do Balinese bring up their children? Does it differ from other cultures? Part III

The way Balinese discipline their kids is quite different from other cultures. For a start, parents don’t tend to tell their children off a lot. Certainly they almost never scream or shout at their kids; they don’t even use the words ‘no’ or ‘don’t’ much. Kids will be told to sit still (“Noyong!”), but that’s about as far as it goes. Children learn by example and by watching others. To an outsider, this may seem like a lack of discipline but in many respects it seems to work.

Perhaps due to the fact parents don’t scream at their kids, children hardly ever scream at each other or have temper tantrums. This also explains why most kids are obedient and happy to carry out any errand that their elders ask of them. They seem to enjoy the responsibility and the adventure of it all.

Balinese children seem to be not only content at playing with the simplest of toys, but also are very good at making their own fun and games. They generally like to play with friends outdoors, and some of the more traditional activities include kite-flying, bike riding (in large groups) and cricket hunting.

The way of life in Bali is very communal, meaning that there is always someone around to help out or play a role in the upbringing of their family’s younger members. The family members are not isolated from each other and learn to understand one another better. This is why elders are respected in Balinese society. Not only that, but young and old people socialize together at community events and clubs – at the banjar’s gamelan club, for example, you’ll see musicians of all ages, and even infants will be encouraged to join in on gamelan practices or at temple performances. This sort of involvement makes the kids feel welcome and confident in the myriad of social situations they’ll face when they grow up.

Copyright@ Kulture Kid 2007
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