This nation has the happiest children in the world, according to a UNICEF survey, so you know these mothers are doing something right. Of course, no population can be reduced to a single set of generalizations, but there are some peculiarities in mothering that appear uniquely Dutch. Here are our top ten reasons why Dutch mothers are great.
They are aware of harmony.
Most Dutch women (68%) only work part-time, or about 25 hours per week. Because they prioritize both, they are not forced to choose between a profession and a family life. By having more control over their lives and schedules, they may relax and enjoy both their personal and professional lives. Happy parents result in happy children.
They are an oddly effective mashup of rigorous and relaxed.
Sprinkles made of chocolate for breakfast? Of course! Did dinner serve after 17:30? NEVER!
They are low-key.
They don’t prepare school lunches that would make Pinterest jealous, go the gym for sunrise yoga, or wear high heels to the park. Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg is a Dutch proverb that translates to “just be regular, that’s already wild enough.”
They’re hardy.
Zuinigheid met vlijt, which translates to “thrift and diligence,” is their motto. In whatever weather, Dutch women ride their bicycles to work while carrying as many children as two wheels (or more if they have a bakfiets) would allow. They are strong, diligent workers who demand that their children behave appropriately.
They impart freedom and responsibility on their children.
At the playgrounds, you won’t see them helicopter parenting. The kids will learn to take greater precautions after falling off the monkey bars the next time. This independence comes with some obligations on the other side. They are expected to assist with household duties as soon as their kids are old enough.
They don’t do it all.
Parenting is very much a team sport in the Netherlands, where the majority of men also work part-time. Motherhood does not have to equate to martyrdom. Papadag, often known as “dad day,” is a workday when dads stay at home with their children and is very popular in this country. Dutch parents seek the assistance of the grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, and cousins as well, forming a large family network for the childcare team that is frequently combined with daycare during the week.
They cherish the calm times.
The mothers can be seen enjoying the quiet moment while sipping on coffee during the brief moments when the kids are behaving well.
They are accomplished jugglers.
Dutch mothers are need to keep strict schedules due to the part-time employment scenario. They schedule time for their jobs, their families, their children’s activities, their friends, and their extended networks, and it takes some ingenuity to keep all the balls in the air.
They cherish their family.
The Netherlands is the hub of part-time employment in Europe because Dutch culture places a strong emphasis on the family. Making time for your loved ones a priority is socially and culturally accepted. “Oost, west, thuis best” is a common phrase that means “east, west, home is finest.” You can rely on a Dutch mother to make sure her house is the coziest place on earth.
They let their children to be kids.
In the Netherlands, there isn’t nearly as much of the tiger parenting and stage mom phenomenon that is so prevalent in the US. Early on, children are encouraged to learn through play, and the majority don’t begin reading on their own until they are six years old. When it comes to their education, kids have the freedom to choose their own path and speed.
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