How Dutch grandmothers differ from the endangered species of our grandmothers of the Soviet era

Population of the Netherlands It is just over 17 million people. Although the size of the country can be considered tiny - only 41.5 thousand square kilometers. This is 5 times smaller than the territory of Belarus.

What do we know about the Netherlands? That this is the birthplace of tulips? Or that it is a country of free morals, where much of what is forbidden in the whole civilized (and not very civilized) world is allowed?

Today's edition. "Site" Find out more about the people of this intriguing country. And it would be better if this is told by a Dutchman who has been living in Russia for many years. He learns a new culture and constantly compares his present life with his previous experience.



I have been living in Moscow for a couple of years. And although my Russian is not very good, thanks to my wife, who corrects my mistakes, I learn quickly. I also continue to get acquainted with Russian culture and amazing Russian people. And I share my observations on this subject, writes Mahil.

“I don’t know many people here yet, but I can compare those I already know. For example, I am very surprised by Russian grandmothers, who I think are very different from older women in Holland.



I noticed that in Russia, grandmothers devote a lot of time to grandchildren. They're like second moms. I am always surprised to see that my grandchildren spend every weekend at their grandmother’s house, and sometimes even a few days a week.

If we talk about Holland, then our young parents turn to their grandmother only in extreme cases. Seeing my grandkids every week is a lot. I've never even seen one like that.”



“We went to my Russian mother-in-law without warning. When she saw us, she was happy. She said dinner was almost ready, and she called to the table. Then I brought strawberries and raspberries from the garden. I offered to eat right there. And then she went on the road, the foreigner was surprised.

“I noticed that your grandmothers cook very tasty and very much. They are happy to see you, even if you did not warn them. Dutch women also cook deliciously, but there you can not just take and come to relatives. The visit should be warned in advance, agreed. A person may already have things planned.”



“It is interesting to see the grandmothers here taking care of their grandchildren. They take care of the wind and the sun. Heat is wrapped in any weather. You can be sure that if the grandson is left with his grandmother, he will not freeze. We only dress our children when we really need them. Windy weather is common here. They will not wear warm clothes because of the wind.

You can also see how your grandmothers love you. garden. They constantly grow fruits, berries, and vegetables. They eat something, give it to others, and sell it on the market. And they drag their grandchildren with them to the garden, even if they are not interested. In the Netherlands, gardening is also done, but less often. More often, if there is a plot near the house, then there are only a few vegetables and flowers, and everything else is equipped for a place to relax.



“It seems that Russian They give their grandchildren everything. For example, if the parents do not give the child sweets, then he goes to the grandmother. And gets sweets. In the Netherlands, grandmothers are more reserved towards grandchildren. Although they indulge in gifts and goodies, but less.

In general, I have the impression that your grandmothers think about everyone first, and only then about themselves. They are ready to spend endless time with their grandchildren, sleep little and work hard. Even if they are tired, they do not think about themselves or complain. Although if a Dutch grandmother gets tired of noisy grandchildren, she will directly say this and send the grandchildren home to their parents, concluded Mahil.



We often admire. European pensionersThose who know how to live for themselves, travel and discover new horizons in the later years. But often these people simply do not find time in their busy schedule for the closest people – children and grandchildren. They are less likely to see each other, and their families are less likely to.

We have. grandparents In Soviet times, grandchildren are often loved more than their own children. And they do not regret their children with neither time nor energy. Therefore, many fondly recall childhood, in which older relatives were not just present, but were the most important people in life.

Who knows if young people will be able to become such wonderful grandparents for their grandchildren.