Moving to the countryside, how my parenting changed [Is it honestly easier?]

Hello♪ I'm mon🌱
The fourth installment of my countryside relocation series is about child-rearing.

When I was raising my kids in Osaka,

honestly, it was a bit tough.

・The person living below us in our apartment would tell us almost every day that our footsteps were noisy
・It took 2-3 hours round trip to go anywhere with nature, and we'd get caught in traffic jams
・We ended up just going to shopping malls

Those were my days.

Honestly, there were times when I wondered, "Is this really the right way to raise my kids?"

While I kept thinking, "If I want to take them to places rich in nature, I should just live in the countryside," I was anxious because I didn't know what it would actually be like.
I'll write about what it's really like now that I've actually moved.

Conclusion: Many parts have become easier. But there are also inconveniences.

To start with the conclusion,

there are many parts of child-rearing that have become easier.

However,

there are also the usual inconveniences.

I can now raise my children without worrying about what others think

This is the biggest thing.

・There are many detached rental houses, so since it's not a shared building, I don't have to worry if they jump around at night
・We can park two cars, and there's a yard where the kids can run around, so they can just play outside normally
・If we go a little further, there are large parks (with playground equipment on a level you wouldn't see in the city, and few people, so they can play as much as they want) and nature

Without having to worry about "Where should we go?"
we've reached an environment where we can just go outside and play.

Well, I still worry sometimes, but it's still overwhelmingly easier than before.

Changes in the children

Honestly, this was the biggest change.

・The time they spend watching TV has decreased
・They move around more (running around inside the house, climbing into closets, etc.)
・They play outside more
・Their interest in living things has increased

Compared to when we were in Osaka,
it feels like their "freedom" has clearly increased.

I think the way they "use their bodies" and "play" has changed.

Parental stress has also decreased

・I worry less about what people around me think
・The number of times I have to say "be quiet" has decreased
・I have more peace of mind

Also, although I think this depends on the region,

・Children's medical and prescription costs are free
・Childcare fees for ages 0-2 are also free

Because of these systems,

the reduction in financial burden
has also led to more peace of mind.

But there are also inconveniences

I'll write about this properly.

・Basically, you need a car to get around
・There are fewer options for extracurricular activities
・We can't easily play with friends and relatives' children in Osaka on a regular basis

As they get older,
I think these things will change again.

Who is it for? Who is it not for?

It is for people who:

・Want to raise their children in a relaxed environment
・Want to let them play in nature
・Don't mind a little inconvenience

It is not for people who:

・Prioritize extracurricular activities and educational environments above all else
・Value convenience

Summary

Raising children in the countryside

doesn't mean it becomes incredibly easy, but
there are definitely "parts that become easier."

Especially,

・Playing outside
・Parental stress

These two things have changed significantly.

Seeing my children playing freely,
I can honestly say, "I'm glad we chose this environment."

Finally

I think the ease of raising children
changes significantly depending on the "environment."

Like myself back then,

I hope this is helpful for those who are feeling a bit of hardship in their current parenting.

Countryside relocation series part 1
Click here for household finances

Click here for part 2 on work

Click here for the third part regarding human relationships