Imagine a place where little kids cycle freely through city streets, where families gather around the dinner table every evening without the rush, and where school feels less like a battlefield and more like a safe space to grow.
It sounds idyllic and, according to the 2025 UNICEF report on childhood well-being, it’s real.
The Netherlands once again tops the list for having the happiest children in the world. But what exactly makes Dutch kids so uniquely content? And what can we learn from Dutch parenting that could bring more joy to children everywhere?
What the 2025 UNICEF report reveals
The latest UNICEF report, which measured childhood well-being in 43 countries across the EU and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), looked beyond material wealth to focus on subjective well-being, how children feel about their own lives.
Dutch children scored remarkably high, while sadly, children in countries like Turkey, Chile and the United States found themselves closer to the bottom of the list, reflecting higher stress levels, fewer feelings of support, and greater inequality.
This report doesn’t just rank countries, it shines a light on the deeper question: What does it take to raise truly happy children?
The secret to Dutch happiness: freedom, family and feeling heard
Dutch parenting has been studied by researchers worldwide, including Dr Ruut Veenhoven from Erasmus University Rotterdam, a leading happiness researcher.
What stands out isn’t flashy gadgets or expensive extracurricular activities but an everyday culture that values balance, emotional support and autonomy.
Freedom of movement
In the Netherlands, it’s common to see kids as young as four or five on bikes, riding to school, the park, or even running errands.
According to Dutch parents interviewed by “The Guardian”, this freedom teaches responsibility and confidence early on. It’s a stark contrast to many countries where children are driven everywhere due to safety fears.
Family life matters
Dutch families are famous for their “gezelligheid”, a word that loosely translates to “cosiness” or “togetherness”.
Mealtimes are sacred, and open conversation is routine.
Dutch families eat together, often not just for special occasions. UNICEF found that nearly 85% of Dutch 15-year-olds share meals with their families several times a week. It’s not about fancy dinners but daily moments of connection where children feel listened to and supported.
Less school stress, more balance
Education is important, but it isn’t everything. Dutch students report some of the lowest stress levels around schoolwork compared to peers in other countries, according to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
There’s less emphasis on high-stakes testing and more focus on social skills, creativity and enjoying childhood.
Support for every child
While the Netherlands isn’t the richest nation, it has strong social policies ensuring most children have access to quality healthcare and education, no matter their family income. According to the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, child poverty remains among the lowest in Europe.
Friendship and kindness matter too.
One of UNICEF’s most surprising findings was that Dutch children often describe their friends as kind and helpful. This points to a culture where competition is balanced by cooperation and where children learn that emotional intelligence is just as valuable as grades.
An important factor in levels of satisfaction is the quality of social relationships. In comparison to other European countries, Switzerland scores relatively low.
One in four children surveyed said that their parents spend less than two hours a week interacting with them. “Inconsistent communication within a family can negatively affect children’s emotional well-being,” the report stated.
What about the world’s unhappiest children?
While Dutch children enjoy strong support, the picture is different elsewhere. The UNICEF report found that children in Turkey and Chile, for instance, often experience higher poverty rates, less emotional support, and greater school-related anxiety.
In the United States, rising inequality and academic pressure are among factors linked to lower childhood well-being.
In the US, for example, only 60% of children say they feel listened to at home, and mental health challenges among teens are on the rise. There’s a direct link between social inequality, stress, and unhappiness.
As a parent, teacher or simply someone who cares about children, the lessons from the Netherlands feel surprisingly universal and refreshingly simple:
- Prioritise daily connection over perfection. Even a short chat at dinner helps children feel heard.
- Give age-appropriate freedom. Allowing kids to be kids to play and interact with other children, explore safely, builds independence.
- Balance school with play. Encourage creativity and friendships, not just grades.
- Support every child, not just some. Strong communities and social safety nets matter.
Research shows that kids these days are more likely to be raised with screens, which creates a variety of health issues, such as obesity and poor posture.
As researchers say, “Happiness is less about adding more and more, and more about creating the right environment.”
And perhaps, by borrowing a few pages from the Dutch parenting playbook, we can make childhood a little happier for everyone, wherever they live.
