Veronique van der Kleij is a child psychologist in the Netherlands, and also the mother of two minor daughters. Over the years, working with children has been confronted with different models of parenting, but in the Netherlands it seems that parents have something special that makes them raise the happiest generation of children in the whole world.
What happens to Dutch parents who raise children who are happy and practical in finding solutions to problematic situations? Here are the six secrets:
Children do not go to school by car, when a bicycle can be used
In the Netherlands there is a great cycling culture and this is conceived from a young age. Once a child can sit or latch on to the front of a parent's bike, they choose the bike in any weather. Riding a bike in the rain, wind or cold teaches children that no matter what obstacles they encounter in life, they will be able to overcome them.
They don't follow the kids around the playgrounds
It is very common to see Dutch children running free in playgrounds and without the supervision of parents or grandparents. Dutch children are encouraged from a young age to explore the environment, to believe in themselves and to clean the dust or mud from their body every time they fall.
Parents do not work more than 40 hours a week
Një nga arsyet më të mëdha pse holandezët janë kaq të lumtur është se ata vlerësojnë ekuilibrin punë-jetë. Një studim i vitit 2021 zbuloi se gati gjysma e fuqisë punëtore në Holandë kishte punë me kohë të pjesshme. Të kesh kohë të dedikuar për shtëpinë do të thotë më shumë hapësirë për aktivitete me fëmijët, si lojëra, sporte, etj.
Kurrë nuk konsumojnë vakte të ndarë nga fëmijët
Prindërit holandezë hanë të paktën një vakt së bashku çdo ditë sepse vetëm kështu pjesëtarët e familjes lidhen dhe të flasin për ditën e tyre dhe çdo temë tjetër. Ndjenja e lidhjes përmirëson shëndetin mendor të gjithë familjes dhe kontribuon për fëmijë më të lumtur dhe më të ekuilibruar emocionalisht.
Janë striktë në oraret e fëmijëve
Dutch children are consistently given a clear daily schedule that allows them more sleep and stability. Educated children need rules, rest and hygiene. This helps them feel safe and comfortable exploring the unknown.
"My opinion is the last word"/ Dutch parents never say that
Dutch parents want to make their children feel valued and heard. They involve them in the decision-making process as soon as the little ones understand language and can communicate. In this way, children learn to negotiate and set personal boundaries from an early age. When children's opinions are heard, they are more likely to develop a sense of positive self-esteem.
