Cambodia has such a unique and fascinating culture, so I decided to dive in and learn all about parenting over there. From family values to discipline styles to education, there’s a lot that’s similar but also quite a bit that’s different from what we’re used to here. After doing a deep dive into parenting culture in Cambodia, I feel like I have a much better understanding of what daily life is like for families. I learned so much about traditions, values, and what Cambodian parents prioritize when raising their children. I’m excited to share everything I discovered so you can get a glimpse into this beautiful culture too. Let’s explore parenting Cambodian style!
Overview of Parenting Culture in Cambodia
Cambodian parenting is deeply influenced by Buddhist beliefs and values. Family First Family is the center of Cambodian culture. Children are taught from an early age to respect their elders, obey their parents, and put the needs of the family first. Multi-generational households are common, with grandparents, parents, and children living together.
Strict Hierarchy
Cambodian families follow a strict hierarchy based on age and gender. Fathers are the head of the household, and mothers care for the home. Boys are given more freedom and expected to provide for the family. Girls are expected to help with household chores and child-rearing. Corporal punishment is common, and children are expected to obey their parents without question.
Education and Opportunity
Education is highly valued in Cambodia, especially for boys. However, poverty and limited access to schools mean many children do not receive formal education. Girls in particular face barriers to education due to cultural norms and expectations.
Religion and Spirituality
Buddhism shapes all aspects of Cambodian life. Children are taught Buddhist beliefs and values from an early age. Families visit temples together, and boys may enter the monastery for a period of time. Ancestor worship is also important, with families honoring relatives who have passed away.
Cambodian parenting reflects the country’s unique cultural values, history and religious influences. While slowly changing, traditional roles and expectations within the family remain influential in Cambodian society. With greater access to education and economic opportunity, Cambodian parenting styles and family dynamics will likely continue to evolve in the coming decades.
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Traditional Cambodian Parenting Values
Cambodian parenting is largely influenced by Buddhist beliefs and values. Parents emphasize respect, obedience and education.
Children are expected to show deep respect for their parents and elders. This includes obeying their parents’ wishes and caring for them in their old age. Cambodian children often live with their parents until marriage and send money home to support their family even after moving out.
Education
Education is highly valued in Cambodian culture. Parents make great sacrifices to provide their children with the opportunity to attend school. Children are expected to work hard and achieve in their studies to honor their family. Parents take an active role helping with homework and emphasizing the importance of education.
Maintaining Face
Cambodian parents teach their children from an early age to maintain face – that is, to avoid embarrassment and protect the reputation and prestige of the family. Children learn to be polite, humble and discreet. They are taught not to openly disagree or argue with their parents or teachers. Parents also emphasize the importance of duty to family over individual desires.
Strict Discipline
Cambodian parents take parenting and discipline seriously. They believe in strict control and corporal punishment to teach children proper behavior and values. While physical discipline is becoming less common, children are still expected to obey their parents without question. Parents closely monitor their children and restrict privileges to enforce good behavior.
The Cambodian approach to parenting aims to instill values of respect, obedience and duty in children. While the parenting style may seem harsh by Western standards, these traditional values remain an important part of Cambodian culture and family life. With greater exposure to Western culture, some Cambodian parenting practices are evolving, but core values like filial piety and education are still strongly emphasized.
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Common Parenting Practices and Customs
Cambodian parenting styles tend to be more authoritarian, where children are expected to show respect for their elders and follow the rules set by their parents. Parents make most major life decisions for their children until they are adults. Some common practices you’ll see include:
Strict Discipline
Physical discipline, such as spanking, is commonly used to punish children for misbehavior. Yelling and scolding are also typical. The goal is to teach children proper behavior and respect from an early age.
Strong Family Bonds
Family is the center of Cambodian life. Children are taught from an early age to respect their parents, grandparents, and elders. Multiple generations often live together under one roof. Loyalty to family comes before all else.
Emphasis on Education
While Cambodian parents are strict, they also highly value education. Children are encouraged to work hard in school to get good grades. Parents often make great sacrifices to pay for their children’s schooling.
Arranged Marriages
Marriages are still often arranged by the parents, especially in rural areas. Parents will choose a suitable partner for their child based on family background, education, and other factors. Children are expected to respect their parents’ choice of a spouse.
Care of Elders
As parents age, their adult children are expected to care for them. This includes having them live in the home, helping financially support them, and seeing to their daily needs. Placing elders in nursing homes is very uncommon.
Cambodian parenting, while strict, is focused on instilling cultural values of respect, family loyalty, and filial piety in children from an early age. The ultimate goal is to raise children who become responsible, educated, and dutiful members of Cambodian society.
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Modern vs. Traditional Approaches to Parenting
Cambodian parenting has evolved over the generations. Traditionally, parents were very strict, and children were expected to obey without question. Corporal punishment and public scolding were common. Family hierarchy and reputation were highly valued.
Traditional Values
Elders and ancestors were revered. Children were taught from an early age to respect their parents and elders. Parents made all decisions for their children regarding education, work, and marriage partners. Children were expected to care for their parents in old age. While some of these values still remain, many modern Cambodian parents are adopting a more progressive approach.
A More Permissive Style
Today’s Cambodian parents tend to be more permissive and loving. They value their children’s input and encourage open communication. Many parents take an interest in their children’s hobbies, talents, and education. They are more involved in their children’s lives but also give them more freedom and independence. Corporal punishment is less accepted.
A Blend of Old and New
Most Cambodian parents blend traditional and modern values. They instill respect, honor family, and value education. But they are also more flexible, affectionate and egalitarian. They see their children as individuals and support their dreams and interests. While parents are still authority figures, the relationship is more of a partnership.
The generation gap between traditional elders and younger progressive parents can sometimes cause conflict. But overall, Cambodian parenting is evolving to find the right balance of discipline and warmth, respect and affection, control and independence. The core values remain, but the style of parenting is changing with the times.
Parenting in Cambodia: Frequently Asked Questions
How are children disciplined in Cambodia?
Parenting styles in Cambodia tend to be more authoritarian compared to Western cultures. Children are expected to respect their elders and follow instructions without question. Physical punishment, though controversial, is still common and culturally accepted. Parents may spank, hit or slap children as a form of discipline. Verbal scolding and public shaming are also used to teach children proper behavior.
What are Cambodian values around education?
Education is highly valued in Cambodia. Parents make major sacrifices to send their children to school. Students show deep respect for their teachers and work hard to achieve good grades. Cambodia’s troubled history has made education a privilege that is not taken for granted. Parents place a strong emphasis on education as a means for their children to secure good jobs and have more opportunities in life.
What role do extended families play?
Extended families are very important in Cambodian culture. Children are raised with the support and influence of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Relatives often live together in the same house or neighborhood. Elders are respected for their life experience and guidance. Caring for family members is considered a duty and a source of pride. The extended family also provides social and financial support. Raising children is seen as a communal effort.
What are gender roles and expectations?
Cambodian culture holds quite traditional views of gender roles. Sons are typically favored over daughters, as they can carry on the family name and are seen as a source of security in old age. Girls are expected to help with household chores from an early age and learn skills to become good wives and mothers. Boys have more freedom and receive preferential treatment in areas like education. However, in cities and among younger generations, gender roles are evolving toward more equality and partnership in marriage.
You might also want to read:
Understanding Cambodian Family: Traditions and Values
Cultural Contrasts: How Khmer and Western Values Differ
Cambodia Culture: What You Need to Know
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