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American mom compares raising kids in India vs. U.S.
Fischer often posts humorous and relatable comparisons between parenting in India and the US on social media.
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Rwittika Chakraborty
- Mon, 16, Feb 2026
- 03:38 EST
- 21
Kristen Fischer / Instagram/@kristenfischer3
An American mother living in India, Kristen Fischer, has sparked conversations on social media about cultural differences in parenting after sharing everyday contrasts between how children are raised in India and the United States.
Fischer often posts humorous and relatable comparisons between parenting in India and the U.S. on social media.
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Her observations, shared in a recent viral Instagram reel, highlight key areas where the norms and practices tend to differ, a neat comparison with neither side being downplayed.
Fischer, who moved to India with her husband and two daughters after an earlier visit eight years ago, opened her reel with a comparison of sleep routines.
In the U.S., babies often sleep independently in cribs as a way to build early autonomy, while in India, co-sleeping and keeping infants close to parents through the night remain common, seen as nurturing and part of family life rather than a dependency issue.
The video next contrasted baby-carrying practices, showing modern ergonomic carriers in the U.S., whereas traditional cloth slings are used in India.
Fischer noted that feeding routines also differ, with American babies being frequently encouraged to feed themselves early, while in India, feeding by hand into early childhood is tied closely to emotional bonding and family interaction.
Bedtime was another highlighted difference in her reel. Structured early bedtimes — often about 7 p.m. in most U.S. homes, in contrast with later family-centered evenings in India, where children often stay up later and remain part of extended household activities.
Approaches to handling tantrums also vary, as some American parents use firm, structured responses, while Indian parents may prioritize emotional distraction and comfort. Even small rituals, like serving warm, sweetened milk, underscored cultural values around care and comfort.
Alongside humor, Fischer’s comparisons resonated widely because they didn’t judge one style as better but rather illustrated how cultural context shapes parenting choices and priorities.
Many viewers saw reflections of their own experiences, whether they align more with independence or collective family engagement, reminding parents everywhere that the core goal remains the same, which is to raise children who feel secure, loved, and at home in their environment.
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