The Danish Secret to Happy Kids

How the Viking Way of Raising Children Makes Them Happier, Healthier, and More Independent

By: Helen Russell

Narrated by: Helen Russell

What do Vikings know about raising children? Turns out, quite a lot...

After a decade of living in Denmark and raising a family there, Helen Russell noticed that Nordic children are different. They eat differently. They learn differently. They run, jump and climb out in nature for hours a day, even though the weather is terrible and it's dark October to March. And then they grow up to be some of the happiest adults on the planet. Her question was: how?

In The Danish Secret to Happy Kids, Russell takes a deep dive into the parenting culture of Denmark and the other Nordic nations, from parental leave policies to school structure, screen time, and the surprising customs that lead to happy, well-adjusted humans. This fascinating peek behind the cultural curtain allows readers a glimpse of another world, where babies sleep outside in their prams up to -20°C and pre-schoolers wield axes.

Refreshingly funny and unfailingly optimistic about the new generation of humans growing up in the world right now, this is a heart-warming love letter to Russell’s adopted homeland and proof that we could all use a bit more Viking in our lives.

Helen Russell is a bestselling author, journalist, speaker and host. Formerly editor of marieclaire.co.uk turned Scandinavia correspondent for the Guardian, her first book, The Year of Living Danishly, became an international bestseller.

©2024 Helen Russell (P)2024 Saga Egmont

Fantastic!

A wonderful, relatable, book on raising children. It is inspiring and empowering look at raising kids in the nordic way. With great narration it actually made me laugh out loud more than once. Highly recommend this book!

Woke & Liberal Stance on Parenting

The book is not quite what I expected. It talks more about Danish culture overall than actual parenting. The writer is very liberal and woke. I definitely don't recommend for people with conservative family values. I couldn't finish the book because the perspective was just so woke and I didn't share the writer's values at all. The only thing I took from the book is to let kids take risks and play outside.

Some good advice but much foul language and disgusting erotic texts.

The foul language and erotic activities explained make the book less than desirable. Jessica Joelle Alexander who wrote The Danish Way Of Parenting does a much better explanation on the topic without all of the dirty language and erotic texts.