Election 2024: 'They potty-train your child for you?' But Sweden's childcare is not all perfect

Cianan Brennan talks to a Cork man whose initial enthusiasm for the childcare system in Sweden has lessened slightly

(Left to right) Rob Hilliard, Cianan Brennan and Rob's son Matthew in Stockholm. Rob says Matthew’s experience of 'daycare can sometimes be a bit baby-ish.'

Cork native Rob Hilliard has been in Sweden for 12 years, with a son in childcare/forskola for the last four of them.

Matthew, Rob’s son with his Georgian wife Ana, is now five. He’s with Rob when we meet in central Stockholm, and is a good advertisement for Sweden’s early years system — bright, bubbly and in great form.