Write@Home
Winter 2015

Parenthood

Three little boys eating pizza at cafe

Recently I have read different articles in the Write @ Home newsletter section Parenthood and I have been inspired to write my observations about parenthood in Canada and in my native country Russia. There are a lot of differences in attitude and approaches starting from the pregnancy.

So, let’s start! In Canada being pregnant is a pleasure, no stress, everywhere smiles. You don’t feel mortally ill like in Russia. In Moscow you are obligated to have your samples taken and every day you expect the results and listen to a lot of horror stories from the doctors, even if the pregnancy doesn’t have any problems. In Canada, it’s a much more calm time for a woman and all the visits to the doctor are festive days.

But pregnancy is only  the beginning of our route to being a parent. When a child is born, there are also two different types of parents in Canada and in Russia. First of all, there is a tradition in Russia to walk with the baby outside in spite of the weather, but in Canada parents prefer walking with babies in supermarkets and shopping malls. Despite the fact that in Russia, walking outdoors with your baby is considered to be helpful for its health, we can see that statistics demonstrate that Canadian children are sick less than Russian ones. For me, walking is still an important part of my day, but it is so strange to be alone with my baby in the streets of Ottawa. Also, I suppose it’s even more strange for Canadians to see me walking when it’s -30 degrees in Winter, but I’ m not giving up.

Another interesting point I noticed is the manner in which we dress babies. Russian children always are very warmly clad in contrast to Canadian children.  Every time I see Canadians wearing light clothes in the early spring like it’s the middle of summer, I feel cold.

Also for me it is strange… a kid’s menu in restaurants in Canada consists of french fries, pizzas, juice…. my son never eats such products at home - only steamed chicken and vegetables. Now I’m used to going to restaurants I’m shocked that healthy food is something that is not on the kid’s menu.

Finally I would like to share that in Canada children are more frank and socialized. I’m glad and very happy to have the possibility to raise my children in Canada. It’s a great country with a prosperous future and huge possibilities. We came from another country and in so little time we have come to love our new home, and we are proud that our children will have a Canadian citizenship.