In America, we tend to raise kids with a constant sense of striving. We measure success early, track milestones closely, and quietly worry about whether our children are doing enough, fast enough, and well enough.

The Danish approach offers a striking contrast. Instead of pushing children to prove themselves, Danish parenting emphasizes something far more grounded: helping kids rest well within themselves.

In this episode of the Healthy Parenting Handbook, I talk with Jessica Joelle Alexander about what that actually looks like in real life. We explore:

• why Danish children are often described as calm and serene
• how play is treated as essential rather than optional
• and why connection and trust matter more than control, especially in the digital age.

This conversation is settling, perspective-shifting, and deeply reassuring for parents who feel the pressure to constantly measure and manage their kids’ development! I couldn’t stop talking with Jessica, so stay tuned for Part 2 of this interview. 

Resources We Mention for Danish Parenting

• Jessica’s books: The Danish Way of Parenting (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and The Danish Way Every Day (Amazon/Bookshop.org)
• 3 Ways Parents Can Help Prevent Depression in Their Kids
• Nurturing Young Skeptics: Essential Guide to Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids and Teens with Kathy Gibbens
• My TEDx talk on building critical thinking skills in kids
• Check out the Raising Digital Citizens conversation cards here
• Find Jessica at her website Jessica Joelle Alexander or follow her on social: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube

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