The Danish way of parenting is unique, and considering that Denmark is the country voted #1 for happiness, it seems to be working.
Jessica Joelle Alexander, author of The Danish Way of Parenting, joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share some of the characteristics of Danish parenting.
- Play. Free play is crucial, not optional, for a child's development. Try not to "over-program" kids.
- Empathy. Actively taught in school, as early as pre-school age.
- Honesty. Very direct about emotions. No taboo topics (age appropriate). Not every story has a happy ending. Builds resilience and empathy.
Jessica is also quick to point out that you don't have to live in Denmark to make this work; it's a philosophy.
Listen in to learn more about the Danish way of parenting.
Jessica Joelle Alexander is a bestselling author, Danish parenting expert, columnist, speaker, and cultural researcher. Her work has been featured in the NY Times, Vanity Fair, NPR, Huffington Post, Mothermag and the Greater Good Science Center Berkley. Her book, The Danish Way of Parenting: what the happiest people in the world know about raising confident, capable kids, is coming out in over 19 counties in 15 languages. She writes for the Huffington Post, Copenhagen Post and The Local Denmark. Jessica speaks four languages and lives with her Danish husband and two children in Europe.