WANT HAPPIER KIDS? STEAL THIS DUTCH PARENTING FORMULA

IMAGINE a place where little kids cycle freely through city streets, where families gather around the dinner table every evening without the rush, and where school feels less like a battlefield and more like a safe space to grow.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

It sounds idyllic and, according to the 2025 UNICEF report on childhood well-being, it's real.

The Netherlands once again tops the list for having the happiest children in the world. But what exactly makes Dutch kids so uniquely content? And what can we learn from Dutch parenting that could bring more joy to children everywhere?

What the 2025 UNICEF report reveals

The latest UNICEF report, which measured childhood well-being in 43 countries across the EU and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), looked beyond material wealth to focus on subjective well-being, how children feel about their own lives.

Dutch children scored remarkably high, while sadly, children in countries like Turkiye, Chile and the US found themselves closer to the bottom of the list, reflecting higher stress levels, fewer feelings of support, and greater inequality.

This report doesn't just rank countries, it shines a light on the deeper question: What does it take to raise truly happy children?

The secret to Dutch happiness: freedom, family and feeling heard

Dutch parenting has been studied by researchers worldwide, including Dr Ruut Veenhoven from Erasmus University Rotterdam, a leading happiness researcher.

What stands out isn't flashy gadgets or expensive extracurricular activities but an everyday culture that values balance, emotional support and autonomy.

Freedom of movement

In the Netherlands, it's common to see kids as young as four or five on bikes, riding to school, the park, or even running errands.