Why are Children in the Netherlands Happier Than Other Children in the World?
In the world base of the 2019 list of happiness are 4 Scandinavian countries and behind them is the Netherlands. Why are Children in the Netherlands Happier Than Other Children in the World? Children as an important part of society feel greater freedom and are generally happier than their peers in the rest of the world.
The Dutch and Denmark are the most calm in Europe and focus more on developing autonomy rather than obedience, which is good for society. Children are freer, can do whatever they want and find out what they really like, while developing their social skills. Why are Children in the Netherlands Happier Than Other Children in the World?
In the Netherlands there is no phrase that literally means “you are a good boy” or “a good girl”. Instead it says, “Bravo”, “thank you” or “well done”. As far as exits go, no one returns at 3am, but they stay up late. The children there have enough freedom and that is very important.
There is evidence that the trend of alcohol and drug use has declined over the years in children between 12 and 16 years. Another important thing is that peer violence is not expressed. In the Netherlands, young people cannot be seen as abusive to one another. If anyone tries to harass someone, the one on the other side ignores him.
Interestingly, sex education in this country begins in year 4, and the teenage pregnancy rate is the lowest in Europe. Posters at the school encourage young people of all sexual orientations to talk openly about it.
It seems that the joint engagement of parents and the system in the Netherlands has produced excellent results. They have a supportive home environment, and so do their school friends. Dutch parents give great support, and after some control they are somewhere in the middle. Teachers are not authoritarian but accept students’ feelings, and students trust them.
How happy do you think children are in our country?
Read also: A Denmark School Teaches Children about Empathy