The Surprising Truth About Raising Kids Abroad: What Norway Can Teach Us About Parenthood and Sustainability

Posted on 28 July 2025 by Jordan Nguyen — 4 min

Imagine paying only $420 a month for full-time childcare for two kids — sounds like a dream, right? For Monica Virga Alborno, an American mother raising her children in Norway, this is reality. She’s among many parents benefiting from Norway’s progressive family policies including generous parental leave and affordable childcare. But beyond the numbers, what can we learn about sustainable, balanced parenting from her experience?

In a recent Business Insider article, Monica shares her story of navigating parenthood in a country that truly supports families. She had nine months of parental leave, her husband had four, and childcare costs are modest compared to what many experience in the U.S. This kind of support doesn’t only make life easier; it fosters a healthier, more connected family environment and encourages responsible, thoughtful family planning.

Why does this matter for us, especially for those exploring eco-friendly family growth? Because sustainable parenting begins long before the first crib arrives. It’s about creating systems and cultures where families can flourish — supported by access, affordability, and innovation. Here’s what Monica’s story reveals:

Accessible Childcare Reduces Stress and Environmental Impact: Affordable childcare means parents can maintain work-life balance without sacrificing family time or well-being, which reduces burnout. Plus, public or community childcare often incorporates environmentally friendly practices.
Generous Parental Leave Encourages Hands-On Parenting: Shared leave allows partners to bond deeply with their babies and creates equal caregiving roles, promoting emotional sustainability in families.
Cost-Effective Solutions Empower Choices: When families aren’t financially overwhelmed, they can invest in sustainable products and make thoughtful decisions about family planning.

Speaking of thoughtful decisions, modern at-home insemination kits like those offered by MakeAMom exemplify how innovation supports accessible and sustainable family planning. Their reusable kits — designed for different reproductive needs — provide a discreet, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional clinical procedures. With an impressive average success rate of 67%, they empower individuals and couples to conceive on their terms, reducing medical waste and travel emissions.

Now, you might wonder: How does sustainability in family planning actually look in practice? Here's a snapshot:

Using reusable tools instead of disposable ones minimizes waste.
Choosing products designed for individual needs helps maximize efficiency and success rates, meaning fewer cycles and less resource use.
Accessing information and support online reduces unnecessary trips to clinics.

Monica’s experience also reminds us that having time and resources to care for your family sustainably is a privilege we can all strive to create. Whether through advocacy for better policies or embracing greener reproductive technologies, each step brings us closer to nurturing families and the planet.

In the spirit of embracing a sustainable, balanced approach to parenthood — what small change can you make today? Could it be exploring reusable family planning options? Advocating for family-friendly policies in your community? Or simply appreciating the power of thoughtful parental leave?

At ReusableRepro, we believe that every parent’s journey is unique but united by the desire for healthier, happier families and a healthier planet. Drawing inspiration from global examples like Norway, and innovations from companies dedicated to sustainable reproductive health, there’s hope and opportunity to reimagine family life.

If you’re curious to dive deeper into how you can make your family planning journey eco-friendly and empowered, check out MakeAMom’s innovative home insemination kits. Trust us — this is more than just a product; it’s part of a movement toward conscientious, loving parenthood.

So, what do you think? How could thoughtful policies and sustainable tools change your parenting story? Share your thoughts below — let’s inspire each other to build a future where families and the planet thrive together.