Denmark’s ‘hands-off’ approach to parenting could offer a blueprint for raising more resilient, self-reliant kids

Unstructured play – especially the kind that allows kids to test their limits – can help children become competent, independent adults.

By: Marie Helweg-Larsen, Dickinson College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 4, 2026

Words: 1,245

Last Updated: 2 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Marie Helweg-Larsen, Dickinson College

Much has been written about Denmark’s consistently high scores in global happiness rankings, so it might not come as a surprise that Denmark is also rated the best place to raise children, according to U.S. News and World Report. The small Scandinavian nation also scores near the top for child well-being, a measure of physical health, mental health, education and social relationships.

Government policies like generous …

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