A fast-paced book about life in Denmark and the philosophy of parenting the Danish way.
This would be a great read for those who are looking for information in both of these topics and someone’s lived experience living in a Scandi country.
The tone is witty, friendly and informative.

I highly recommend it to those who like books in similar veins (will not give the titles here, but you will know which ones they are).

As for my honest opinion and experience with this book, this was not 100% for me. I love the Scandi countries, especially Denmark. I have read the author’s The Year of Living Danishly. I value her anecdotes, but I figured the writing style and the tone is 3/5, the information and the anecdote balance is 3/5, the tips 3/5, and the factual information and their analysis is 5/5 for me. If she writes other books about Danish, Scandinavian, expat life styles, happiest places and parenting, I’d be amongst to first to read them, since I trust her approach and perspective, but I am expecting a more nuanced, detailed and tonally different experience to rate them 5 stars. And of course, this is highly personal, I am glad this book exists.

This is a fun, interesting read! Highly recommend!

Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

This was every interesting. I really loved to learn more about the danish ways. However this book is filled with the authors personal stories, and that made the book less enjoyable to me.

I will finish this book, however in this moment of time I need a break from it 👀

Another excellent addition to the growing parenting anthropology genre! The book is well written, fast-paced, and engaging. It is similar to many parenting anthropology books which for me, meant I knew much of the information it contained; I didn't learn anything new. However, if you have never read a parenting anthropology book, you will find many insights and points of relfection here.

Many thanks to the author, Helen Russell, and Sourcebooks Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book. The publication date is set for July 09, 2024!

As a parent, I love books like these. It’s fascinating to see how things are done in different cultures, and I enjoyed learning more about the “Viking way.” This book mixes cultural differences, parenting, and personal experiences specific to the author and her family.

I did find it to be a little longer than necessary, as the author focused heavily on personal stories. This felt more like a memoir/autobiography rather than a parenting book. But with that to say, I did enjoy hearing about the author’s life. This book is an excellent addition to the genre. I recommend it if you’re interested in how Danes live and the impact of their culture on families.

3.5 stars, rounding up!

This was a fun, informative book. I often dream of moving to Denmark so this was a great insight into their culture and their approach to raising children. It was such a different point of view than how I grew up or how I’ve seen any kids in America grow up. The programs this country has in place really support the community and families to focus on the things that really matter. After reading this, I want to move to Denmark even more! Thank you Sourcebooks for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book is interesting. It approaches education and child rearing the Scandinavian way. Similar but different it the common style of parenting in the UK. I think this book will be of interest to our customers who are predominantly women with young children.

AWESOME!
Great, extremely funny, showing the culture with huge respect and curiosity!
I had a great time with that book!

This book discusses Scandinavian styles of parenting through statistics, interviews, and anecdotes. I learned quite a bit about the Danish culture and will add some ideas to my own parenting toolbox.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the writing style of this book. The delivery of advice is put in a way that is not offensive but is easy for the reader to be receptive to. It was interesting to learn different perspectives of parenting.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Fun and shockingly educational, THE DANISH SECRET TO HAPPY KIDS reads like a conversation between friends on the key points of raising children in Denmark. Russell, and American ex-pat living and raising her own gaggle in Denmark, casually discusses the reasoning and benefits of traditional Danish practices-- including over sixteen pages of sources at the end of the book, interspersing her own anecdotes and experiences as a mother.

This book acts as a mainly a conversation starter-- it doesn't take itself too seriously, and recommends you don't either. It offers solid advice for child development (such as the classic, "There's no such thing as bad weather" and encouraging parental community involvement/volunteering), but continues to remind the readers that what fits for one might not fit for all-- however it could be worth a try.

Pleasantly surprised with this book. A delight! Parenting "advice" but not in a condescending or overly saccharine way.

This was a fun and engaging read. It approached parenting advice differently than I’ve read in other books. I laughed and took many helpful lessons.

This book is part memoir, part social observation, part professional interviews about parenting or behaviors. I learnt some practices in the Scandinavian educational model int this book about risk taking, good clothes for all weather and their love of choir. I hope there are more insights or interviews with the professionals and less of the memoir part of the author.

Thank you Sourcebooks and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. What a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking read. I love the topics presented in each chapter, the thorough research conducted, and the accessible manner in which it was all presented. I find a lot of parenting books are, as usually intended, trying to convince you to follow their ideas. I loved the relatable way Russell often turned around these ideas in her head instead of simply accepting them at face-value. That really led me to think critically about what I was reading, which was so enjoyable in a non-fiction read. I found myself making so many highlights and engaging in great discussions with family based on some ideas in this book. I would love to own a copy and revisit in the future as my daughter grows older. I would also highly recommend this to readers who may be intimidated by non-fiction because Russell has such an accessible and fun writing style. Overall a great balance between thought-provoking and just plain fun. 5 ⭐️

*thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own*

I love Nordic and Scandinavian culture and have visited multiple times, so I was excited for this book. However, I just felt like it didn't live up to what I was expecting. It just felt like a ton of statistics mixed with anecdotal stories and very little "secrets" that could really be applied in other cultures. It just seemed like it all boils down to the whole country's culture that makes the difference so short of moving there isn't much to apply. Quick read so at least it didn't take too much of my time.

After residing in Denmark for a decade and observing the distinctiveness of Nordic children, Helen Russell delves into the secrets behind their happiness in her book, The Danish Secret to Happy Kids. From unique eating habits to unconventional learning methods, Russell explores the Nordic way of raising children, leading to content and well-adjusted individuals. The book not only showcases the cultural practices in Denmark and other Nordic countries but also sheds light on innovative strategies contributing to the long-term well-being of children. Through anecdotes of outdoor napping in cold weather, teenagers honing survival skills, and specialized boarding schools preparing youth for independence, Russell invites readers to reflect on the joy and resilience instilled in the younger generation. Furthermore, she highlights Denmark’s focus on holistic well-being and community interdependence, evident in the educational system and healthcare initiatives. Children's early school dismissal for free play, emphasis on teamwork and empathy, and initiatives like connecting new mothers for support showcase the country's commitment to collective welfare and emotional development. This enlightening narrative celebrates the cultural richness of Denmark while providing insights on fostering resilience and happiness in modern society. This was an interesting read! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Helen Russell has a way of saying things that I absolutely adore and enjoy. I like her humor, I like how she manages to have a journalistic approach on one hand, for giving the reader the information and not making it boring while on the other to entertain you. Yes, I could have found the basics of this info on my own, but she makes it so much fun.

I have read "The Year of Living Danishly", which I loved and at that time I would consumed anything that Danes do.

While reading this, I have decided that Danes have in their DNA, a tiny gene that gives them the ability to act as a therapist without going to university about it. There is no other way to explain the way they handle each stage of their children's upbringing. Also, I need to get a shoe horn as a souvenir after reading this book.

As with her previous book, I did take tips and things I should work upon my own family. There are things the Danes do that I find fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Also, at the end there is a whole list of things they celebrate. Pancake day? We don't have that one.

The whole book, is her experience of living in Denmark, and observing how things are done, as opposed to the UK. It might not be 100% how a native Dane would describe things, but to me who lives somewhere different (although we do have rum balls here as well) it was a pleasure read, and educational at the same time.

It is a book that I probably will go back to.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. Opinions are entirely my own.

I like that this book is VERY realistic. It doesn't provide us with straight-to-the-point step by steps how to raise a happy kids "the danish way" (not that I'd hate it), but this book provides a whole story what makes the Danes how they are. From cultural beliefs, community support, to the inevitably financial securities provided by the government; those were taken into accounts and are discussed as the essential factors, the crucial reasons of why Danes are able to maintain their hygge tradition, display such exemplary parenting practice, and, yes, raise happy kids.

I really enjoyed the birds eye view of Danish parenting style. I think it is great food for thought as we continue to get caught up in our "Lawn Mower" parenting here is the USA. Maybe there is a better way! I especially appreciated the oneness the Danish culture has with nature and their environment.