In Costa Rica, parenting isn’t a competitive sport—it’s a shared experience steeped in sunshine, sloths, and a strong sense of community. Children here grow up barefoot, fearless, and free-range, with muddy knees and mango juice moustaches. This is not helicopter parenting—it’s hammock parenting, where the motto is “pura vida” and the goal is raising grounded, joyful little humans who actually know how to look you in the eye when they speak. Curious how the Costa Rican way could change your parenting game? Read on.
What is the core philosophy behind parenting in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican parenting embraces balance, connection, and nature over pressure, performance, and perfection.
Rather than scheduling every second of a child’s life, Costa Rican families prioritise togetherness, freedom, and play. Children are treated like integral members of the household, not mini projects to micromanage. There’s a deep cultural belief that niños deben ser niños—kids should be kids.
Highlights of this philosophy:
Play is sacred
Climbing trees, catching frogs, and building forts are considered essential parts of childhood, not just weekend activities.
Nature is the classroom
Education extends beyond four walls. Rivers, forests, and even the family garden are where lessons happen.
Family first, always
Multigenerational homes and frequent family gatherings teach kids how to connect with all ages.
Why do Costa Rican children seem so confident and relaxed?
Costa Rican kids are nurtured by a calm, emotionally attuned environment that values empathy over authority.
Discipline in Costa Rica tends to be firm but loving, grounded in conversation rather than punishment. Children are spoken to with respect, their opinions considered even when boundaries are set. They grow up understanding their voice matters—and that tantrums don’t work on Abuelita.
Factors contributing to their emotional resilience:
Gentle discipline
Calm communication and consistency are preferred over harsh consequences or bribes.
Emphasis on emotional intelligence
Kids are taught to name and understand their feelings, not suppress them.
Close community
Having multiple caregivers and trusted adults builds confidence and a sense of security.
How does screen time compare to Western habits?
Screen time is less dominant in Costa Rican households, with outdoor fun often beating tablets for attention.
While tech exists and is used, it’s not the centrepiece of a child’s day. With a warm climate and abundant nature, most families encourage outdoor exploration over screen-staring.
Screen-light lifestyle examples:
Backyard play is the default
Even city kids usually have access to outdoor spaces where they can roam and play freely.
Screens are tools, not babysitters
TVs and tablets are used intentionally, not constantly.
Community over isolation
It’s common for kids to play together in mixed-age groups, keeping them socially active and less reliant on devices.
What role does the community play in child-rearing?
In Costa Rica, raising children is a group effort, and everyone’s invited.
Neighbours, extended family, teachers, and even the fruit vendor at the corner all become part of a child’s world. This shared responsibility relieves pressure from parents while reinforcing positive behaviour in a variety of social contexts.
Community parenting in action:
Everyone keeps an eye out
If a child’s up to mischief, someone will gently intervene—even if they’re not the parent.
Social learning happens everywhere
Kids are constantly absorbing cultural norms through diverse adult interactions.
Elders are revered
Grandparents play active, cherished roles—not just as babysitters, but as wisdom-keepers.
Are Costa Rican kids academically successful with this approach?
Yes, Costa Rican children are generally successful, especially in emotional and social development, areas increasingly valued in global education.
With public and private school options, and a focus on creativity and social engagement, many Costa Rican children thrive in both academics and life skills. Success isn’t measured solely by test scores but by well-being, adaptability, and kindness.
Educational priorities here include:
Holistic development
Teachers focus on emotional and social growth alongside traditional academics.
Environmental education
Sustainability and respect for nature are embedded in school curricula.
Flexible learning
Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and in varied formats—classroom, home, and outdoors.
FAQ: Pura Vida Parenting
Is it safe for kids to be barefoot and outdoors all the time?
Yes—Costa Rican kids grow up aware of their environment. Scraped knees are part of the learning.
Do parents in Costa Rica co-sleep with their children?
Co-sleeping is more common and culturally accepted, especially during the early years.
How involved are fathers in childrearing?
Father involvement is growing. Many dads play active roles in daily care, school runs, and playtime.
Is this style only possible in rural areas?
Not at all—city families also adopt Pura Vida parenting, often balancing structure with flexibility.
Are Costa Rican kids polite?
Extremely. Respect for elders and good manners are taught from a very young age.
Can foreigners adopt this approach?
Absolutely. Many expat families in Costa Rica embrace this style, blending their values with local culture.
