From the earliest age in America, children are encouraged to develop their sense of individual identity, achievement, and responsibility. Many Americans give their newborn babies their own room and crib (cot) from the first day they come home from hospital. As the baby grows, every individual achievement is celebrated and encouraged at the youngest possible age, such as feeding himself, dressing himself, walking to a neighbor’s house, talking on the phone politely, etc.
I remember when my family had recently moved to Kenya, we took our kids swimming at a club. In the changing room we observed a child about six years old being dressed by his ayah (nanny). I hastened to point out to my four-year-old what a shame that was, and how proud I was that she could dress herself already! The small independent successes of childhood give way to adult expressions of individualism such as living away from parents as soon as possible, making career choices without consulting any family member, and American-style love marriage without advice or interference from anyone else!