What makes happy children and how does this impact their lives later on? In 2013, a Unicef report rated Dutch children the happiest in the world. According to researchers, Dutch kids are ahead of their peers in childhood wellbeing when compared with 29 of the world’s richest industrialised countries.
Most parents want to raise happy kids, but they don’t really know where to start. So, in an effort to take a cue from the Netherlands, here’s what they do differently and what inevitably leads to the world’s happiest children!
Happy Children Make for Prosperous Children
- Dutch babies get more sleep.
- Dutch children have little to no homework in primary school.
- Are trusted to ride their bikes to school on their own without parental supervision.
- Are seen AND heard.
- Dutch children are allowed to play outside unsupervised.
- Have regular family meals.
- Dutch children enjoy simple pleasures and are happy with second-hand toys.
- Dutch children spend more time with their parents.
- Dutch children get to eat chocolate sprinkles or hagelslag for breakfast.
In essence, Dutch children enjoy freedoms otherwise denied to many other children. In a typical Dutch household, children are the focal point of a family unit. Everything is centered around them! And what is really unique is how most moms and dads don’t do for children what they can do for themselves. They encourage independence at a young age!
When it comes to school, Dutch children are more likely to be excited to go than even those children based in the UK or USA. In fact, the Dutch seem to place less importance on schooling and grades, and more importance on the happiness of their children. Another important note is that happy parents raise happy kids.
Keep in mind that the Dutch society has mastered work/life balance – something many of us do not have! The average Dutch adult works 29 hours a week, spends one full day a week with their children and manage to put in some time for themselves. If that isn’t enough, there isn’t a competition between moms and dads on who is raising the best, smartest or fastest children. It simply isn’t the culture or a value there!
In summary, how parents feel, the environment they provide and the values they celebrate go a long way in supporting their child to be happy.
About Little Human Scholars School in PJ
Little Human Scholars is an all-in-one childcare solution. It is a preschool, playschool, kindergarten, nursery and full-day daycare centre (with extended hours) located in the heart of PJ.
In fact, the location is one of the things which makes Little Human Scholars so sought after – it is conveniently nestled near Jalan Gasing, University hospital, PJ Old town, PJ New town, Jaya One, Jaya33, and the PJ IT Mall.
The best part is LHS has premiere services many other schools in PJ don’t offer such as full-day daycare with extended hours, CCTV access for parents, and a nifty little phone app called Toddlytic which provides parents with automatic updates on their child’s development, behaviour and health checks.
With full-time guards always present at each of their locations, access to CCTV (which is in every room except the office, bathroom and kitchen areas), and very strict pick-up and drop-off rules, Little Human Scholars treats every child who walks into its hallways as one of their own children!
This place has it all: location, safety, health, IGSCE curriculum and play-based learning. What more could you ask for? Did I mention they also have transportation services and offer meal plans for students? It doesn’t get any better than that.
If you are interested in a tour of one of our centres (that’s right, there’s more than one), all you need to do is fill out the form here or call +6017-7303-025 and an LHS administrative staff will get back with you shortly!
Cheers,
Jana Moreno