Why Dutch children are the happiest in the world

There are statistics that, despite the authoritativeness of the source, should not be taken literally, but rather interpreted as an important trend, verified in the field. This is the case of the annual Unicef ​​Report on the happiness of children in various countries around the world.

Aside from the term "happiness," which should be understood as the sum of a series of factors that undoubtedly improve the quality of life, including emotional ones, the research establishes that Dutch children top the world rankings. But rankings aside, what matters are the various reasons behind this primacy, which are also useful for identifying public and private interventions for children.

Here are the main ones:

• Less school pressure in the early years. In the Netherlands, children start receiving grades relatively late, and in general, the emphasis is on learning rather than competition. This can reduce stress.
• Lots of free time to play. Outdoor play, sports, and time with friends are considered essential to development, not “secondary” activities.
• Work-life balance. Many parents work part-time or have flexible schedules. As a result, children often spend more time with their families than in other countries.
• Autonomy from an early age. It's common for children to ride their bikes to school or travel alone when their age allows. This fosters self-confidence and a sense of responsibility.
• Open dialogue. In Dutch families, it's common to encourage children to express their opinions and emotions. Their perspectives tend to be taken seriously.
• Good social services. Access to healthcare, education, and family support helps reduce many sources of stress.
• Culture of the “normal”. There is a Dutch expression, Doe maar gewoon ("Act normally"), which reflects a culture less inclined to show off and extreme competition. This can translate into less stringent expectations for children.

Read also:

• How to raise happy children
• Positive education: the four principles
• How to stimulate children's curiosity