Correspondent's Farewell: Lessons Learned from Raising Children in Berlin

As Suvi Turtiainen concludes her seven-year tenure as the Berlin correspondent for Helsingin Sanomat, she offers a poignant farewell, reflecting on the profound experience of raising two children in the German capital. Her time in Berlin has provided her with a unique perspective on German society, particularly its approach to child-rearing, lessons she intends to carry forward.

One striking observation Turtiainen shares occurred on her younger child's first day of school. Standing in the warm September sun in the courtyard of the red-brick school building, she instinctively told her child to remove their cap. This seemingly small interaction highlighted a subtle yet significant difference in cultural norms regarding children's behavior and address, a moment that prompted Turtiainen to reflect and learn.

Her departure marks the end of an era, not just for her personally but also for the readers who have followed her dispatches from Berlin. The article is framed as a final reflection, sharing what she considers the 'best of Germany' as experienced through the lens of family life and cultural immersion. It’s a personal look back at the formative years spent navigating a new environment with her children.

Turtiainen's piece is more than just a professional sign-off; it's an intimate glimpse into the adaptation and learning process that comes with living abroad and raising a family in a different cultural context. The anecdote about the school cap serves as a microcosm of the broader cultural insights she has gained, offering a relatable and engaging conclusion to her time in Berlin.