Episode Description
In America, we tend to raise kids with a constant sense of striving. We measure success early, track milestones closely, and quietly worry about whether our children are doing enough, fast enough, and well enough.
The Danish approach offers a striking contrast. Instead of pushing children to prove themselves, Danish parenting emphasizes something far more grounded: helping kids rest well within themselves.
In this episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook, I talk with Jessica Joelle Alexander about what that actually looks like in real life. We explore:
- why Danish children are often described as calm and serene
- how play is treated as essential rather than optional
- and why connection and trust matter more than control, especially in the digital age.
This conversation is settling, perspective-shifting, and deeply reassuring for parents who feel the pressure to constantly measure and manage their kids’ development! I couldn’t stop talking with Jessica, so stay tuned for Part 2 of this interview.
Resources We Mention for Danish Parenting
- Jessica’s books: The Danish Way of Parenting (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and The Danish Way Every Day (Amazon/Bookshop.org)
- 3 Ways Parents Can Help Prevent Depression in Their Kids
- Nurturing Young Skeptics: Essential Guide to Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids and Teens with Kathy Gibbens
- My TEDx talk on building critical thinking skills in kids
- Check out the Raising Digital Citizens conversation cards here
- Find Jessica at her website Jessica Joelle Alexander or follow her on social: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube
Thank you to today's sponsor, Happsy! Shop at kidscookrealfood.com/Happsy for an earth-friendly, affordable mattress today.
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