Did you know that Denmark has been rated number one for having the happiest people every single year since 1973? What is their secret to being so happy? Many of them claim it’s their upbringing. That Danish upbringing is based on their simple understanding of what PARENT really means. According to the Danish, PARENT stands for Play, Authenticity, Reframing, Empathy, No ultimatums, and Togetherness.

The concept of play is so important for the Danish that it’s even written into their early childhood education curriculum. Between the ages of 6-10 students finish up their school day at 2:00 PM and then spend the rest of the afternoon in free play. In regards to authenticity, the Danish believe in encouraging their children to follow their dreams and be who they really are with no strings attached.

When the Danish parents reframe they merely take a negative situation and reframe it as a favorable situation. If a child says that they did poorly in their soccer game today, Danish parents respond with something like, “It was just a learning experience that will help you do better in tomorrow’s game.”

The Danish don’t believe in ultimatums. They don’t scream at or spank their children. As a matter of fact, Danish parents are quite shocked that some American parents still use these techniques to control their children.

The happiest people in the world, the Danish, believe in spending some quality time with their children every day doing things together. The American idea of each person on electronics in a different room in the house seems to be the exact opposite of this Danish practice of togetherness.

Now, as my Granddaddy always said, “Go learn, lead, and lay the way to a better world for all of us.” Let’s do what we can to raise happier children, even if it does mean borrowing a little of what’s working for the Danish. Hey, eventually, happier children will equate to a happier and better-adjusted American society for all of us. And once again parents, thanks in advance for all that you do, and all that you will do…