Publisher's Weekly Review
American blogger Acosta (Finding Dutchland), and Hutchison, a British translator of Dutch literature, provide their own perspective on the 2013 UNICEF study reporting Dutch children are the world's happiest. Both authors are expats married to Dutchmen and raising their children in the Netherlands. They noticed the country's relaxed parenting style and the confident, well-adjusted children it produces, so unlike the stressed parents and kids in their home countries. The two women explain that the core idea for Dutch parents is to treat children as "individuals rather than extensions of themselves." Free of the demanding helicopter-parenting so rampant in the U.S. and U.K., children are given much more freedom to play and explore. Subjects covered include birth (done at home with a midwife), parental happiness (communities pitch in to shift some of the burden off parents), and raising teenagers (parents and teens set boundaries together.) Along with citations of supporting research studies and interviews with Dutch parents, witty sidebars are woven throughout, discussing Dutch birthday-party ideas, how to cycle while carrying an umbrella, and house rules for teenagers. American parents exhausted by the pressures and expectations of parenting will appreciate this refreshing look at how another culture handles the same issues. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
When Acosta and Hutchison, respectively from the U.S. and the UK, moved to the Netherlands with their Dutch husbands, they were surprised at the difference between parenting culture in their home countries versus their new home. Dutch kids are independent, cooperative, and relaxed the result of parenting attitudes that emphasize self-reliance, decision making, and honesty, and that de-emphasize competition and success. The authors discuss their own experiences as outsiders learning the easygoing Dutch way of parenting contrasted with the experiences of their overwhelmed, harried friends back home. Although some of the authors' suggestions are easy to implement on a family level eating meals together and establishing household routines are an easy and positive start the prevailing parenting culture, which seems to reward happiness-destroying behaviors such as helicopter parenting and emphasis on academic success, will prove a barrier. Nevertheless, Acosta and Hutchison should be praised for spreading the Dutch philosophy of parenting to American audiences and for delivering a much-needed dose of sanity for exhausted, overcompetitive parents.--Donohue, Nanette Copyright 2017 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Inspired by a 2013 UNICEF report rating Dutch children as the happiest in the world, debut authors Acosta (FindingDutchland.com) and Hutchison, both expats living in the Netherlands, investigate the reasons behind this finding. Drawing on a variety of sources, from philosophers and historians to case studies and interviews they conducted, the authors get to the heart of the relaxed Dutch culture and parenting style, as compared to their American and British counterparts who focus on competition and perfection from an early age. With more freedom that allows for unsupervised play, cycling to school, taking time to explore hobbies, and an educational system that emphasizes motivation and noncompetitive grading, Dutch children develop a strong foundation from which to pursue their interests and also have fun. While each author draws on her own experiences, observations, and research, with Acosta concentrating on elementary ages and up and Hutchison on children five and under, both contribute equally to the work, ensuring a wide range of perspective. Verdict A must-read for all parents looking to adopt a more relaxed parenting style and create a less stressful environment for their children.-Meaghan Darling, Long Hill Twp. P.L., Gillette, NJ © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
