How To Raise Happy Children According To The Danish Method
In this article we are going to see how to raise happy children according to the Danish method. All parents want our children to be happy; that’s one of our biggest concerns. Denmark, since 1973, is one of the happiest countries in the world, and this is, according to the authors of the book How to raise happy children , because of their way of raising them.
Jessica Joelle Alexander and Iben Dissing Sandahl state that, according to their research and experiences, “children are stronger and more emotionally secure and that they later become safe and happy adults who repeat the same parenting process with their children.”
In this article we are going to see how we can raise happy children according to the method used in Denmark, where optimism, empathy, value for things, union, responsibility and not obedience make this method a success of parenting.
Raising happy children according to the Danish method
The Danish therapist Iben Dissing and the American psychologist Jessica Joelle Alexander studied what this method they follow in Denmark was based on and what makes them one of the happiest countries in the world. This study his book arose: How to raise children felice s . The Danish method of developing our children’s self-esteem and talent.
In this book they have the 6 basic principles for raising happy children, children who are in contact with their emotions, who have high self-esteem and who always see the positive side of things.
Keys to raising happy children according to the Danish method
Teach them to play
Sometimes, parents, in our quest for children to be the best in everything, we forget the importance of play in their development. We have to give children time to play, explore, get dirty, run, etc.
Through play, children learn about the world, play different roles, imagine, and all this will significantly improve their abilities to overcome problems and adapt to the different circumstances they encounter.
We must avoid the excessive use of television, mobile phones, tablets …, in short, of new technologies. With that, the little ones do not develop their imagination.
Encourage its authenticity
Let them be themselves, not compare them with anyone ; They are authentic as they are, so let’s enhance that individuality that makes them unique and this will make them happy children.
We must teach them that we are not all the same, and that we all have our strengths and weaknesses, but this makes us human, although not perfect. You have to observe and accept their feelings and emotions, and be honest with them and with others.
Focus on the positives in situations
The Danish method also indicates that we must teach children to see situations from different points of view and, thus, be able to find the positive things that each situation can offer them, especially when something has not turned out as they expected.
Here it is important to use positive language to help motivate them. Thus, we will give them the tools to be able to emerge victorious from any situation. And, above all, that they should focus more on the process than on the result. Sometimes the results are not as expected, but the process has been adequate.
Create empathy
It is very important to teach children to put themselves in the place of others, to understand how they may be feeling and, of course, that they know that you also put yourself in their place. This will lead them to establish healthier relationships with others later, and these relationships will bring you greater well-being and happiness.
Don’t use ultimatums
We cannot resolve situations based on ultimatums such as “things are done because I say so, period.” This phrase, which we have all used sometimes, is not at all healthy in raising children.
For children, it is essential that parents talk with them about our values, dialogue about what things are important in the family and why they should or should not do certain things.
Strengthening bonding and hygge
The hygge (Danish word) means sharing quality time with the people we love, friends, family, loved ones … Therefore, it is important that we foster in children the union, we all have some time to devote to family or persons we want, enjoying the well-being that this brings us.
On raising happy children according to the Danish method
As you may have seen, these are not difficult things to do to raise happy children according to the Danish method. Taking into account these keys, we will surely promote the happiness of our children, which is the most important thing for parents. Put it into practice!
