Moms of the Millennium

Sweden, Portugal, Germany: How they parent over there

Rosie the Red Season 1 Episode 6

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A deep dive into the realities of raising a family abroad. In this episode of Moms of the Millennium, your hosts Rosie and Sarah are joined by a very special guest and dear friend, Catherine.

As three American moms living abroad, they compare notes on the cultural shifts, the logistical hurdles, and the surprising joys of parenting in Europe. From the structured playgrounds of Germany to the sun-drenched cafes of Portugal and the progressive social systems of Sweden, this episode explores what "home" really looks like when you’re building it in a different language and culture.

What We Discuss:

  • The Expat Experience: How Rosie (Germany), Sarah (Portugal), and Catherine (Sweden) ended up in their respective countries and what the initial "culture shock" felt like for their families.
  • Healthcare & Education: A side-by-side look at the different systems, from the famous Swedish parental leave to the German school system and the family-centric lifestyle in Portugal.
  • Cultural Parenting Styles: Why German kids are so independent, the egalitarian dads of Sweden, and how Portuguese culture embraces children in every part of social life.
  • The "American" Identity: How they balance teaching their children American traditions while fully integrating into their local communities.
  • Support Systems: The challenges of parenting without a local "village" and how they’ve built new communities abroad.