Why Dutch Children Are Ranked the Happiest in the World
According to a widely cited 2007 UNICEF report, Dutch children are considered the happiest in the developed world. The study compared 21 wealthy nations on six dimensions of child well-being, and the Netherlands consistently ranked at or near the top across almost all categories.
What Makes Dutch Kids So Happy?
The study found that Dutch children enjoy a strong sense of subjective well-being, which refers to how children view their own happiness. But what contributes to this?
Family Life and Emotional Support: Dutch families prioritize spending time together. Many children report regularly sharing meals with their parents and feeling listened to and supported in daily conversations.
Health and Safety: The Netherlands ranks high in child healthcare, safety at early ages, and access to preventive medical services.
Education and School Life: Dutch students score well in academic assessments and report less stress around school compared to their peers in other countries. The transition from school to employment is also smoother, reducing anxiety about the future.
Material Well-Being: Although not the richest country, the Netherlands has low levels of child poverty and a strong social support system. Most children do not lack essentials, and families have access to education and healthcare regardless of income.
Relationships with Peers: Dutch children also report positive experiences with their friends. A large percentage say they find their peers “kind and helpful,” which boosts their emotional health.
How Does the Netherlands Compare?
Here’s how the Netherlands performed across the six measured dimensions (ranked out of 21 countries):
- Material well-being: 1st
- Health and safety: 3rd
- Educational well-being: 6th
- Family and peer relationships: 2nd
- Behaviors and risks: 3rd
- Subjective well-being: 1st
This consistent performance suggests a balanced and healthy environment for children to grow up in.
What Can We Learn from Dutch Families?
Parents around the world can take inspiration from the Dutch approach:
- Emphasize open communication
- Share regular family meals
- Support emotional well-being as much as academic success
- Focus on creating safe, stable environments
Happiness doesn’t always come from wealth—but from feeling seen, heard, and supported.
Let your child experience the Dutch way of joyful learning with Dinolingo’s Dutch lessons. With interactive games, videos, songs, and flashcards, Dinolingo creates a fun and low-pressure learning environment, just like in the Netherlands!