You have some great questions! I have the same questions, too. I'm sure I over-romanticize what it's like to be a parent in Scandinavia, but it sure sounds dreamy compared to the United States! My recent story, "How I Achieved Parental Nirvana," is all about the insanity of finding, paying for, and getting kids to and from childcare before they can attend public elementary school. It seems that parents in countries with more accessible and affordable childcare options have a little more time and space to actually parent, rather than manage logistics. I can't wait for my 4th grader to start playing sports soon but I intentionally waited a while because I didn't want her getting too "serious" about sports at a younger age. Yes, and don't even get me started on school lunches...