Why Dutch Kids Are the Happiest in the World

The Netherlands has once again been ranked the best country in the world for children’s well-being by UNICEF, and one British father living in Amsterdam believes the reason may be simpler than many people think.

Writing in The Times, journalist Mark Smith argues that Dutch children aren’t happier because Dutch parents are somehow better at parenting. Instead, he says, the country has built systems that make childhood less stressful, more equal, and more community-focused.

Childhood Is a Community Effort

One of the biggest differences Smith noticed after moving from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands is the level of community involvement in raising children.

At his daughter’s school in Amsterdam, parents volunteer to perform routine head-lice checks after school holidays. It’s a simple task shared by families, and one that most parents accept without complaint.

That spirit of shared responsibility extends far beyond the classroom.

Rather than viewing parenting as a competitive sport, Dutch culture tends to emphasize cooperation, practicality, and collective support.

Less Competition, Less Pressure

Smith points to several policies that reduce stress on both parents and children.

Private schools are rare, mobile phones are banned in schools nationwide, and university admissions are largely based on meeting academic requirements rather than lengthy applications, interviews, or extracurricular competitions.

The result is a culture where children are encouraged to develop without constantly being compared to one another.

Independence Starts Early

Dutch children are also given a remarkable level of independence.

Many begin traveling to school on their own around age six and take a formal traffic safety examination by age 10. This encourages confidence, responsibility, and self-reliance from an early age.

For many American and British parents, the idea may seem surprising. In the Netherlands, however, it is considered a normal part of growing up.

A Culture of “Just Be Normal”

At the heart of Dutch family life is a phrase many residents know by heart: “Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg,” which roughly translates to, “Just act normal—that’s crazy enough.”

The saying reflects a cultural preference for modesty, equality, and avoiding unnecessary competition. Children’s birthday parties are simple. Holiday gift exchanges often have spending limits. Status and showmanship are generally discouraged.

What Other Countries Can Learn

According to UNICEF, the happiest children are often found in countries where the gap between the most advantaged and least advantaged children is relatively small.

Smith believes that’s the real lesson from the Dutch model.

It’s not about creating perfect parents.

It’s about creating communities, schools, and systems that make it easier for all children to thrive.

And when childhood becomes less about pressure and more about connection, happiness often follows.