One Book has the Secret to Raising Happier Kids

It’s no secret here at Happily Ever Mom, that we rely on some amazing parenting books to help raise happy kids.

I think books are an amazing parenting tool.  In fact, I’ve praised, Playful Parenting, by Lawrence Cohen in the past as the first book that got me thinking differently about parenting.  But, recently, I was asked to read a book called, The Danish Way of Parenting, by Jessica Alexander and Iben Dissing Sandahl and I’m so glad that they reached out!  I love that the entire book revolves around one goal: raising happier kids.

In full disclosure, I received a free copy of this book, but all of the opinions are my own and I loved it – I wouldn’t write about it otherwise!

You know those books that come into your life just at the right moment?

Well, this book did that for me.

My four year old and toddler have both been testing some boundaries lately and it left me questioning myself.  As self doubt started to creep in, I curled up with The Danish Way. While I stayed up an hour later than I should have reading, it reminded me of what matters most as a parent.

Why?

Because one of the main themes in The Danish Way of Parenting is to keep it simple.

And, if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s overthinking and making things complicated when it comes to my kids.  In fact, one of the main secrets in the books speaks to this very topic, but I’ll get to that at the end…

About the Book

Simply put, the Danish Way of Parenting is an exploration of Danish culture and their approach to parenting since they are considered the “happiest people on Earth.”

What is their secret?  Why are the so happy?  And, how are they raising such happy kids?

That’s what this book wanted to answer.  And, I think what the author’s discoveries about Danish parenting is something that all of us can start applying to our own lives regardless of where we live.

In the beginning, the book touches on these cultural differences as well as the importance of play before diving into the six main parenting themes (with the acronym PARENT which is just plain genius):

P – Play

A – Authenticity

R – Reframing

E – Empathy

N – No Ultimatums

T – Togetherness and Hygge

Each Chapter is full of amazing tips that you can start applying to your own parenting right away.  I love that these chapters get you thinking about how much we need to reflect on ourselves to influence our children.

But, the secret is in the Hygge.

The discussion about Hygge is what truly stood out to me as not only something everyone needs to read about, but also what makes this book special.

In very loose terms, Hygge is about togetherness, team work, comfort, and the tradition that makes Danes so happy.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes that brings Hygge to light…

“When you substitute the ‘I’ for the ‘we’ even illness becomes wellness.”- The Danish Way of Parenting

Hygge is about creating family closeness and comfort while finding that comfort in family and friends as well.  It’s not only something that can be felt, but also a way of being together.

Basically, it’s the secret sauce to The Danish Way of Parenting, and it’s worth the price of the entire book.

What I Took Away from the Book

• The Danish Way is about forming connections instead of corrections.
• It’s about treasuring time with your kids.
• Finding empathy instead of anger.
• Avoiding punishments while still raising cooperative kids.
• Learning about the power of “Hygge.”
• And, turning within to raise happier kids.

All within the confides of one little book – I really can’t say enough about it!

And, guess what?

We’re giving away 4 copies of the book to 4 amazing fans!  Just enter below for your chance to win a free copy!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh, and I’m convincing my husband to move to Denmark.  Who’s with me?