Families and Overseas Schedules

Isn't traveling wonderful for people watching? Recently my husband and I spent 2 weeks in both Portugal and Spain. We really like to immerse ourselves in each local culture and soak it in. This is what I observed: late night family walks outside with babies in strollers and grandparents too! Yes, very late walking home from dinner at 10:45pm and with everyone, in the fresh air. Everyone wanting to savor the last weekend of official summer dining outdoors together. Dinner typically included 3 generations and walking to and from a long and very late dinner. 

How did the little ones behave? Actually very well. Late night dinners there are the norm. Also typical..very late mornings where nothing was scheduled before 11am. It's just a different schedule than here in the states. Later is not at all worse or unhealthy, it's just what works in their culture. Tons of baby wearing by both parents. Did the babies complain? Not at all, as for their parents were right there. Moms nursed their babies on demand and didn't seem to be stressed. For babies and toddlers, home is where their parents are. Simple as that. 

It was heartwarming to see parents consistently including the grandparents. Grandchildren, parents and grandparents were thriving in each other's company. Covid, in the past, unfortunately distanced the grandparents and that was such a negative for the families. Gathering around the table, being outside, and walking together all seemed so healthy & solidifying for families…Food for thought!