In contrast to the Western reluctance to share beds with young children, bed sharing in Asia is often celebrated as a cherished family practice. Parents in countries like South Korea and India frequently find themselves navigating an emotional landscape where closeness with their children matters more than conforming to external pressures regarding sleep practices. For many, the question isn't whether to bed share, but rather when it is socially acceptable to stop.
In South Korea, Erin Lim and her husband enjoy adjacent king-size beds with their daughters, relishing the temporary moments of comfort and connection. "They want to enjoy the moment," Lim cites, as children grow more independent with age. In countries such as China, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia, surveys indicate that the prevalence of bed sharing ranges from 60% to upwards of 70%, in stark contrast to Australia and the United States, where the practice is frowned upon.
Moments of parental worry over infants' safety in America have led to a culture of separation. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics publicly advises against bed sharing due to safety concerns, a sentiment rooted in notions dating back to the Victorian era. However, studies imply that bed sharing might be more common in the West than reported due to stigma keeping some parents from admitting to the practice.
In Asia, familial structures often embrace bed sharing for various practical reasons. For instance, Vicky Tsang, a breastfeeding support advocate in Hong Kong, notes that many families cope with cramped living conditions where separate rooms are a luxury few can afford. The motivations extend beyond mere logistics; parents often prioritize close emotional bonds over personal sleep needs. Heejung Park, a psychologist, highlights that in some cultures, expectations surrounding motherhood compel women to forgo individual sleep comfort to promote familial intimacy.
In urban India, the cultural acceptance of shared sleeping arrangements persists despite exposure to Western parenting strategies. Himani Dalmia, a sleep specialist in New Delhi, shares that parents frequently seek her advice, expressing their desire for shared sleeping arrangements rather than independent sleep strategies while living abroad.
Conversely, Singapore presents a unique case where bed sharing appears increasingly unfashionable amidst rising sleep training trends, leading some parents to feel guilty about their choices. Elaine Chow, president of a local breastfeeding support group, notes the social pressure parents face to sleep train while balancing their instincts with online advice.
For many families, having children close at night, even through the pre-teen years, is a common experience. As illustrated by the anecdote of Ms. Kim, some families experience tremendous internal debates on the ideal age for a child to transition from bed sharing to independent sleeping arrangements.
Ultimately, for parents across Asia, the emotional bonds forged through bed sharing create lasting memories that they cherish, even amidst societal expectations. Whether navigating shared space limitations or shifting cultural norms, the landscape of sleep practices remains as diverse and richly woven as the families themselves.
In South Korea, Erin Lim and her husband enjoy adjacent king-size beds with their daughters, relishing the temporary moments of comfort and connection. "They want to enjoy the moment," Lim cites, as children grow more independent with age. In countries such as China, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia, surveys indicate that the prevalence of bed sharing ranges from 60% to upwards of 70%, in stark contrast to Australia and the United States, where the practice is frowned upon.
Moments of parental worry over infants' safety in America have led to a culture of separation. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics publicly advises against bed sharing due to safety concerns, a sentiment rooted in notions dating back to the Victorian era. However, studies imply that bed sharing might be more common in the West than reported due to stigma keeping some parents from admitting to the practice.
In Asia, familial structures often embrace bed sharing for various practical reasons. For instance, Vicky Tsang, a breastfeeding support advocate in Hong Kong, notes that many families cope with cramped living conditions where separate rooms are a luxury few can afford. The motivations extend beyond mere logistics; parents often prioritize close emotional bonds over personal sleep needs. Heejung Park, a psychologist, highlights that in some cultures, expectations surrounding motherhood compel women to forgo individual sleep comfort to promote familial intimacy.
In urban India, the cultural acceptance of shared sleeping arrangements persists despite exposure to Western parenting strategies. Himani Dalmia, a sleep specialist in New Delhi, shares that parents frequently seek her advice, expressing their desire for shared sleeping arrangements rather than independent sleep strategies while living abroad.
Conversely, Singapore presents a unique case where bed sharing appears increasingly unfashionable amidst rising sleep training trends, leading some parents to feel guilty about their choices. Elaine Chow, president of a local breastfeeding support group, notes the social pressure parents face to sleep train while balancing their instincts with online advice.
For many families, having children close at night, even through the pre-teen years, is a common experience. As illustrated by the anecdote of Ms. Kim, some families experience tremendous internal debates on the ideal age for a child to transition from bed sharing to independent sleeping arrangements.
Ultimately, for parents across Asia, the emotional bonds forged through bed sharing create lasting memories that they cherish, even amidst societal expectations. Whether navigating shared space limitations or shifting cultural norms, the landscape of sleep practices remains as diverse and richly woven as the families themselves.
