Note, the Netherlands is not a socialist state. But it does have a more robust safety net and welfare benefits. I'm sure there are downsides, but damn this sounds good:
I removed the paywall from this essay. It addresses something I see regularly and I imagine you do too.
It goes something like this: “Dutch children are the happiest in the world: Here’s how you can parent like them!” And then they list things like routine bedtimes, a lot of bike riding, autonomy, and chocolate sprinkles on buttered bread for breakfast.
What they rarely mention are the factors that actually result in “better parenting” and happier children: labor rights, housing protections, social welfare nets, work-life balance, healthcare, community safety, parental leave rights, well-funded schools, universal pensions. You know, that sort of thing.
So the next time you see a story telling American parents they, too, can parent like [probably some Nordic country] if they just try harder, please remember they’re full of shit and probably trying to sell us something. There are many books on this subject, for example.
They aren’t better people. They’re in better countries. Yeah, I said it.
I lived in Europe for years. The US is the best. Just not for people who aren't as successful in life. No American dream in Europe. Too many financial constraints. Also not as good for free religious expression. In short, very liberal.
