How did the upbringing of children in sparta compare with the upbringing of children in athens? spartan children had military training and studied foreign languages, whereas athenian children were encouraged in civic participation and religion. spartan children were given education and participated in traditional roles, whereas athenian children were taught physical fitness and discipline. spartan children were encouraged in physical fitness and discipline, whereas athenian children were given education and traditional roles. spartan children were encouraged in civic participation and religion, whereas athenian children had military training and spoke foreign languages.