When it comes to the happiness of children in the developed world, Dutch kids consistently top the charts. So, what factors contribute to their high levels of happiness? Simply put, it may be down to Dutch parenting style, social support, and yes, their ubiquitous bicycles.
In a rather typical scene in Amsterdam, a mother determinedly cycles through the drizzle, her toddler perched on the crossbar. Despite the Netherlands being one of Europe’s wettest countries and boasting the highest bicycle-to-person ratio worldwide, its citizens remain famously cheerful. The latest World Happiness Report ranks the Netherlands as the fifth happiest country, while Dutch children are considered the happiest in the West, according to Unicef’s child wellbeing index.
According to Dr. Margreet de Looze, assistant professor of interdisciplinary social science at Utrecht University, the secret to the Dutch children’s happiness lies in their strong social relations. Dutch children receive a tremendous amount of support from family, friends, teachers, and classmates. This is perhaps linked to the Netherlands being Europe’s “part-time capital,” with both Dutch men and women commonly working part-time jobs. This type of employment allows parents to spend more time with their children, fostering closer family relationships.
Low rates of bullying in Dutch schools, a result of the blanket ban on smartphones, also contribute to their well-being. Furthermore, the Netherlands’ status as a leader in gender equality positively impacts both boys’ and girls’ happiness and overall wellbeing.
Dutch parenting also promotes children’s autonomy while maintaining involvement. Shared decision-making is encouraged, which proves more impactful in implementing rules. Also, Dutch towns and cities are arranged on a human scale, with limited car presence and dominance of bicycles, making them safer spaces for children.
The country’s healthcare system also plays a part in Dutch children’s happiness. Every new mother is entitled to a kraamzorg, a maternity nurse, who comes to the home to help care for the baby, provide breastfeeding guidance, and handle some light chores.
However, even in the Netherlands, there are challenges to deal with. The Covid-19 pandemic had a marked effect on children’s academic performance, mental wellbeing, and physical health. Dutch children are also experiencing an increasing amount of stress related to school work.
Despite these challenges, facilities like Dynamo Youth Center Club in Amsterdam-Oost provide free spaces for young people to engage in activities like music making and recording. Such initiatives contribute to the overall happiness of Dutch children, further making the country a beacon of child wellbeing.
