The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids

Jessica Joelle Alexander · Iben Sandahl

Jun 2016 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

International bestseller

As seen in The Wall Street Journal--from free play to cozy together time, discover the parenting secrets of the happiest people in the world

What makes Denmark the happiest country in the world--and how do Danish parents raise happy, confident, successful kids, year after year? This upbeat and practical book presents six essential principles, which spell out P-A-R-E-N-T:

Play is essential for development and well-being.
Authenticity fosters trust and an "inner compass."
Reframing helps kids cope with setbacks and look on the bright side.
Empathy allows us to act with kindness toward others.
No ultimatums means no power struggles, lines in the sand, or resentment.
Togetherness is a way to celebrate family time, on special occasions and every day. The Danes call this hygge--and it's a fun, cozy way to foster closeness. Preparing meals together, playing favorite games, and sharing other family traditions are all hygge. (Cell phones, bickering, and complaining are not!)

With illuminating examples and simple yet powerful advice, The Danish Way of Parenting will help parents from all walks of life raise the happiest, most well-adjusted kids in the world.

Ratings and reviews

As a prospective parent trying to open myself up to all the possibilities life and parenting offer, I truly enjoyed and appreciated every word of this book. It was inspiring and should be a must read for any parent or prospective parent.

I wish I was born in Holland or at least raised my son there. I've only read the first 6 chapters but the book is amazing and I will read it 20 times just to remember everything thing in it so i raise my son to be a loving, happy man.

Nso os kssn

About the author

Jessica Alexander is an American columnist and mom living in Europe, with her Danish husband and kids. 

Iben Dissing Sandahl is a licensed psychotherapist and family counselor working for many years in her private practice outside Copenhagen, Denmark. Learn more at: thedanishway.com.