Text: Svitlana Prokopchuk
The magazine Journal B published an article by journalist and media coordinator of the USB Association, Svitlana Prokopchuk, titled “Between ‘Shame on You’ and ‘Try Again’: How Children Learn to Live in Switzerland and Ukraine.” The piece explores the differences in child upbringing in Ukraine and Switzerland. The journalist spoke with Swiss and Ukrainian educators.
In Switzerland, children are taught independence and confidence through the right to make mistakes: parents allow them to make their own choices and learn from the consequences. Mistakes are seen as a natural part of development, and critical thinking is viewed as the foundation of democracy.
In Ukraine, however, the traditional approach — rooted in Soviet-era practices — still often prevails: the main goal is to follow instructions rather than think independently. Mistakes are frequently punished or ridiculed, which fosters fear and insecurity. Yet, more and more educators are striving to change this system by focusing on the development of children’s independence and creativity.
Read more here: https://journal-b.ch/artikel/zwischen-schaem-dich-und-versuch-es-noch-einmal/
Illustration: David Fürst
