Reply to European families appear so perfect with such well-behaved children

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’m an American who spends time in Stockholm and have observed this too, OP.  I also notice a related phenomenon with family dogs when they are taken out in public. Swedish city-dwelling dogs have -excellent- manners and temperament compared to DC dogs — even the same breeds. It’s like they are all highly trained service dogs for the vision impaired. Calm and confident, never leash pulling or inappropriately interested in every stimulus.

With both kids and dogs, a large part of the presentation has to be expectations set at birth.  But genetics must have something to do with it because you almost never see crying fussy babies in store or errands, which blows my mind. They’re all calm.

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The people are calm too. In a more socialist society where you don't make a lot of $ but you have security of health insurance, free education etc. there is far less striving and stress forUMC families. These are also far smaller spaces, there isn't a lot of private space (large back yards etc) so you are always out in public and other people will correct your kids. Europeans and even more so the Japanese have a very strong culture of not inconveniencing others with their actions. [/quote]

I agree with this. Work is a little less stressful. Homes are smaller. Health care is covered. Food is fresher. It all adds up. 
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😂😂😂😂
Life is NOT less stressful- this is like someone going to visit Thailand on vacation and thinking all Thais live life on the beach 24/7.

Incomes are much lower in Europe whereas taxes are much higher. Yes, food quality is better, although if youre rich in the United States you can likely afford organic or higher end food that avoids this issue. Homes/apartments are much smaller and often lack conveniences like washing machines, dishwashers, etc (but not always).  Life in Europe is not some dolce vita fantasy where everyone is chilled out all the time, and frankly it's laughable when Americans think this way. [/quote]
Income is lower but they don't have to worry about healthcare, education costs, retirement (as much).  They have a stronger safety net, so life is less stressful.   Vacations are cheaper in Europe; even lower income people are able to go to Greece for a holiday.  My ILs live in the UK, and one of them is lower income, and they go on holidays.   Low income people here generally don't go on holidays that require flying for a few hours.

We have some UMC friends in the UK, and we were talking about how much is needed to retire comfortably in the UK vs the US, and their figure is a lot lower than ours.   We told them what are monthly expenses were, and they were shocked.  They said we must be living a life of luxury. Ha.  We have a good life, but it's far from "luxurious".[/quote]

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