What’s it Like to Parent in Croatia?

Raising a child here can be like stepping back in time, but with the present catching up fast.

For now, the good old days are winning.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to move to Croatia was to allow our child a bit more independence and freedom while still living in an urban environment. My husband and I both appreciate the concept of free-range kids and felt to do it on the scale we wanted, we could accomplish it more easily in Croatia. To us the path of least resistance meant uprooting our lives. 

For me, it boils down to 3 big themes which are global, safety and more old-school.

The Global Environment

Before we first moved to Croatia, we did our research on where to live and the very important question of where to send our kid to school.  Having lived in San Francisco, New York and Boston there was no question that we needed at least a little diversity.  So not only did we choose a city (forget the beach for now) but also an international school.  So voila!  Built in global environment.  Though, even if you choose a public school there is something so cool about living in a small country that is very interested and open to the rest of the world.

First, there’s the tourists who make the country globally minded. Just walking in the center of town, I always hear English and very often Spanish, Italian, German, French and Korean.  Makes me feel like I’m in the center of the world (supposedly in Croatia, by the way!) for a moment.  Way cool.

Besides the outsiders coming in, being such a small country, Croatians are very externally minded.  Most Croats under the age of 50 are fluent in English.  And know another language or four.  In fact, most people we know, speak at least 3 languages.  And the locals know foreign geography, history and politics.  Just hop in an Uber and you’ll find out. 

Finally, there is just a vibe that we (Croatia) are part of something much bigger which is Europe, but also the world.  It’s something I did not experience at all in the US.  Ok, not surprised, but my point is it’s a huge plus for kids in my book to be more globally conscious. 

The Safe Environment

This one is a big one.  I grew up with lots of independence and adventure compared to kids today.  I sound so old using that phrase, but it’s the truth.  I see most kids having this experience here in Croatia, even in a city.  Riding the bus on their own from a young age, staying home alone when sick if both parents work, playing outside with friends with no parents in sight (they are not far) are just a few things that are totally normal here. 

I am not talking about 4 year olds, but kids that are considered way way too young to do these things in the US.  And guess what?  No problems.  Definitely not saying this can be accomplished anywhere in the world, but it works here.  As a result, kids tend to be more grown up and self-sufficient.  Maybe because they need to problem solve on their own. 

Just like anywhere, there are more cautious parents and less risk-averse parents.  We fall into the latter camp for the most part, but with certain things raising extreme caution in me that locals don’t worry about as much. 

The Old-School Environment

A friend’s birthday party earlier this year

Birthday parties are a great example. While not all are like this, many parties our child has attended are at homes with no paid entertainment (e.g., bouncy house, petting zoo) and expensive goody bags.  Not saying we don’t experience that at all.  I mean we hired a clown (a barely 20 year old who was so late we considered sending him a video of crying children) last year which was great fun, but generally speaking parties are low-key and very relaxed.  Memories of my childhood come back with these parties.  And parents actually have fun at these parties too when they are invited.  Usually at the end.  Be prepared as you may have two parties in one. 

Somewhat connected to the party scene is the lesser influence of consumer culture.  If you love shopping and tons of presents under the Christmas tree, don’t come to Croatia at that time of year.  Because gifts are secondary or even tertiary (sorry blog, for using this word).  But do come because its Advent market rocks! I do see plenty of kids in very nice clothes and with stuff, lots of stuff, but you can still isolate yourself from this if you choose to.  There are plenty of people who live more simply – a) out of necessity, but also b) out of choice.  It’s nice that my kid doesn’t know name brands for instance. Well except for Skechers…because light-up shoes, people!  I do realize this could change.

There is really a lot more that’s different and at the same time some things I need to fight for based on our values.  For now, the old school ways are dominant. Now to just keep it alive for the tween years!