Open Nursery School

After today I think I might want to move to Sweden (except the cold might be a deal breaker...). Today I went to what is called an Open Nursery School and fell in love with the atmosphere. In Sweden the government pays a family member (typically the mom, but could be the dad) to stay at home with their babies until they are a year (maybe 18 months not sure). You get 80% of your salary during this maternity leave. So what do these women do all day with their infants?? Well they go to these open nursery school with their babies. You have an open room with lots of pillows and places to lay your baby, toys, mobiles hanging from the ceiling, and places for you to sit comfortably and nurse. There is a facilitator that leads you in songs (Swedish nursery rhymes!) and makes sure you are comfortable. The women just hang out, have tea or coffee and let their babies play while they talk! It is an amazing support system. There is no fee and the places are open M-F! They have one in ever part of town. I didn't know it until today, but there is one only a 5 minute walk from our apartment which I plan to check out very soon. And of course most of the women speak English!

Odin really seemed to enjoy it too! He insisted on lying on his tummy with the other babies and did not want his momma to hold him! Here he is zonked after playing hard with the other babies.