Really interesting book. I think even people who are not parents would enjoy learning about how the Netherlands is different from the United States. We could take a page out of their book!

3.5 stars rounded up.

Ah, to live in the Netherlands. I appreciated hearing about the cycling culture, non-competitive nature of schools, and focus on cultivating independence in children.

This book explained two expats' views on parenting in the Netherlands. The expats were one British woman and one American woman and their insights into raising children (from infants to eleven year olds) was based on the fact that parenting in the Netherlands focuses on creating happy children. The whole society gets involved to make it a priority. It's a good read and I recommend it for any parents that are worried they are holding on too tightly or trying to push their children into checking off too many accomplishment boxes, without taking into account their children's wants and preferences. Or it's fun if you are just curious to understand how parenting is done in other places.

2.5 stars. I went in hoping for some practical info like The Danish Way of Parenting or Bringing Up Bebe both of which I loved but this was extremely lacking and mostly discussed the social structures that The Netherlands have in place to lead happier lives. Long story short: give your kids more freedom and independence.

This was a great read and really insightful. Some reviewers commented that this advice wasn't practical for the states and I agree but only to a point. Sure, as an Alaskan I won't' be biking to and from work along to road in deep snow 16 miles and I'm not sure I feel that Alaska is as safe as The Netherlands with regards to kids just playing out in public alone, but a lot of what Acosta discusses can be applied to everyday life. The Dutch have a really laid back approach to parenting that focuses on the children respecting their parents and thus being well-behaved and happy. They focus on a more collaborative view and are really open-minded when it comes to their children as individuals. I think if anything, this book is a great reminder that much of the time America doesn't know best. If you have kids or want kids, definitely give this a go. #thehappiestkidsintheworld #bookworm #bookstagram #bookish

I wish I had read this book while pregnant with my 1st. So much of the lifestyle makes sense! I can't stop talking about or thinking about the concepts in this book. I whole heartily recommend this to parents. Now on to find more Dutch parenting/lifestyle/culture books!

Meh. Nothing groundbreaking here, but also nothing objectionable. I liked the discussion on camping and hobbies, as that was something I had not seen discussed much in other similar books.

I liked this book, it made me laugh out loud. As always, reading about parenting in other cultures is fascinating to me. However, other than move to Amsterdam, this book really did not have a lot of practical advice for life here in states.

I've gone around Europe in terms of parenting books this past year. Through France, Denmark, Germany, and now the Netherlands with this book, and the main difference with this one is the lack of transferable advice to one's own situation.

The other's had nuggets of wisdom, from cooking together or prioritizing cozy family time, but the section in this book that tried to do that ended with suggesting a "social revolution" to change the way parenting operates in the US. That was a bit frustrating as I feel like there were ample opportunities to tie in the Dutch success back to the reader.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed learning what the priorities were for the Dutch parents and their very pragmatic approach to child rearing. My favorite tidbits I learned were the passion for biking, that the average Dutch family has 3 or 4 kids due to the culture of part-time work and subsidized child care and that they really focus on a family dinner around 6pm. Oh, and sprinkles on toast for breakfast! I'm definitely going to do that with my toddler as I did find that a magical way to start the day when traveling Holland!

I'm now on the hunt for a similar book that highlights the positives of parenting in the US/Canada as I'm starting to get jealous of all these expats, but I'm sure there's something to say in this space!