Dutch children still the happiest

[Allan]

A few years ago I wrote about a study that was done that showed children in the Netherlands are the happiest tykes on the planet. A lot of it had to do with the amount of freedom their parents entrust them with.

It seems that they're still at it - children in the Netherlands top the 2025 list.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/health/dutch-kids-happiest-essay-wellness

The full ranking...

https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/media/11111/file/UNICEF-Innocenti-Report-Card-19-Child-Wellbeing-Unpredictable-World-2025.pdf

 

[Allan]

This is the previous article I wrote about.

Why Dutch teenagers are among the happiest in the world

Teens in Netherlands regularly top life satisfaction tables, with schooling playing a big role

www.theguardian.com

 

[ASHES]

Is that the one where they just leave their babies in strollers outside stores for strangers to watch?

 

[Bok Tuklo]

My last trip there. Lots of kids on bikes.

 

[Allan]

Is that the one where they just leave their babies in strollers outside stores for strangers to watch?

Babies want freedom too

 

[Grand Mal]

My last trip there. Lots of kids on bikes.

View attachment 67577283

Easy when the nearest hill is in the French Pyrenees!

 

[Allan]

My last trip there. Lots of kids on bikes.

View attachment 67577283

Now that is a fantastic photo!

 

[dmpi]

From the originators of 'dutch treat', it's no surprise their kids are the happiest.

 

[joluoto]

At least Finland isn't topping any happiness lists anymore, people are finally starting to understand we are a miserable bunch.

 

[Allan]

At least Finland isn't topping any happiness lists anymore, people are finally starting to understand we are a miserable bunch.

Finland is #17. That's a respectable rank.

 

[multivita-man]

Is that the one where they just leave their babies in strollers outside stores for strangers to watch?

And that's possible in a society where strangers feel a sense of basic obligation to take care of other strangers and their offspring. Unlike this one, where people care more about unborn, even dead fetuses than actual newborn babies.

 

[L88]

At least Finland isn't topping any happiness lists anymore, people are finally starting to understand we are a miserable bunch.

They have Russia knocking on their door. Hard to be happy with that.

 

[Bergslagstroll]

My last trip there. Lots of kids on bikes.

View attachment 67577283

As mentioned in the article in the OP freedom of movement is an important part. That children can safely walk and cycle to school, friends and activities.

Cycling nation: The secret to the Netherlands’ biking success

The Netherlands is famous for its cyclists, but how has the country managed to encourage so many people into the saddle?

www.euronews.com

There reduce car dependency also save a lot of time and money for the parents.

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