My husband and I have different styles of parenting. In order to get on the same “page” and reduce our fights, I decided we should start our own book club.
I recently purchased The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids, by Jessica Joelle Alexander and Iben Sandahl. My friend had just started reading it and suggested I check it out. So I got it!
Though I am only on the first chapter and I can’t offer you any feedback other than it’s very intriguing so far and I look forward to learning more, I want to share this with you! I’ll keep you updated as my husband and I read and discuss!
Here’s the book description:
International bestseller
As seen in The Wall Street Journal–from free play to cozy together time, discover the parenting secrets of the happiest people in the world
What makes Denmark the happiest country in the world–and how do Danish parents raise happy, confident, successful kids, year after year? This upbeat and practical book presents six essential principles, which spell out P-A-R-E-N-T:
Play is essential for development and well-being.
Authenticity fosters trust and an “inner compass.”
Reframing helps kids cope with setbacks and look on the bright side.
Empathy allows us to act with kindness toward others.
No ultimatums means no power struggles, lines in the sand, or resentment.
Togetherness is a way to celebrate family time, on special occasions and every day. The Danes call this hygge–and it’s a fun, cozy way to foster closeness. Preparing meals together, playing favorite games, and sharing other family traditions are all hygge. (Cell phones, bickering, and complaining are not!)
With illuminating examples and simple yet powerful advice, The Danish Way of Parenting will help parents from all walks of life raise the happiest, most well-adjusted kids in the world.
Jessica Alexander is an American columnist and mom living in Europe, with her Danish husband and kids.
Iben Dissing Sandahl is a licensed psychotherapist and family counselor working for many years in her private practice outside Copenhagen, Denmark. Learn more at: thedanishway.co
Lesson Learned From This Post:
If you're having problems getting on the same parenting page with your partner, start your own book club. By reading the same advice, you're more likely to both understand the methods and follow.
Joelle Speranza
