The Danish Way of Parenting

July 4, 2016
Originally self-published by Sandahl, a Danish family therapist, and Alexander, an American mother married to a Dane, this cross-cultural parenting manual is a testament to Danish upbringing, which the authors believe is the reason that Denmark, according to studies, is home to “the happiest people in the world.” As depicted here, the Danish parenting style yields impressive results: resilient, emotionally secure children who grow up to parent their own kids in the same way. The authors warn that the “default settings” for Americans parents aren’t always the best choices for fostering happiness. They position the Danish whole-child approach, which emphasizes socialization, autonomy, and self-esteem, as an appealing alternative. With anecdotes from the authors’ childhoods and personal family stories, research from child psychology studies, and advice from parenting experts, the book presents a six-part program, represented by the acronym PARENT: play, authenticity, reframing, empathy, no ultimatums, togetherness. This pithy, practical little volume is the ideal guide for parents seeking to change their child-rearing habits.