Why are Danish Kids so Happy?
Danish kids have been rated 3rd place out of 21 industrialised countries as the most fortunate children in Europe. The study by the UN children's organisation, Unicef, looked at relative poverty, educational and health standards, sexual behaviour and the children's relationship with friends and parents.
Danish society is very child orientated and children are allowed a lot of influence in their lives. Parents go out of their way to please them, and teachers are less demanding of them as opposed to some of their European counterparts. Children are used to a "creative, positive and caring environment." Danish families are generally very open and communicative. Relations are generally good between parents and children and they can talk about almost anything. Danes are well known for their liberal attitudes towards drinks, drugs and sex. Because parents are more relaxed, the dynamics of the problems are less severe than in countries where they are seen as more of a serious issue.
There is an option for parents to take a long leave of absence after children are born. Most people have six weeks holidays. Unemployment is low and all have equal access to the educational system. The gap between the "haves" and "have nots" is relatively low.
Rutt Vanhoven, a happiness expert at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, says he was unsurprised by the report's findings. "Small affluent countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark are very democratic and very free. There is also a very good education system. People can use that freedom and education to make the right choices," he says.
