This is one of the few parenting books that I've read that was easy to read. Engaging and interesting, more a perspective on observed behaviour than a this is what you should do approach.

I enjoyed hearing about their take on the Netherlands from a UK and US expat perspective. I’m actually very fond of a lot of their habits like letting children take the lead in their education and play, etc.
What I didn’t like and nearly stopped reading for was the authors view of home birth. It’s very common in the Netherlands and is safe but these ladies took their preconceived notions and fears with them and neither of them ended having a home birth (at least not that they talk about). Then they have the audacity to suggest women in the US maybe try only for their second child. They obviously do not understand their privilege of having given birth in such a supportive country. If you are reading this and want a home birth do not listen to them. You’re better off planning a home birth and transferring if it doesn’t go as planned vs just skipping it and going to the hospital as you’ll have a 1/3 chance of ending up with a csection. They don’t bother to inform you that although it’s recommended by physicians to Vbac, you will be extremely hard pressed to find one that is legit supportive of doing it. Instead the bate and switch. “Sure we’re supportive of vbac” when you’re 12 weeks then at 20 “okay let’s set a date for a csection when you’re 38weeks”.

Really interesting book. I think even people who are not parents would enjoy learning about how the Netherlands is different from the United States. We could take a page out of their book!

3.5 stars rounded up.

Ah, to live in the Netherlands. I appreciated hearing about the cycling culture, non-competitive nature of schools, and focus on cultivating independence in children.

This book explained two expats' views on parenting in the Netherlands. The expats were one British woman and one American woman and their insights into raising children (from infants to eleven year olds) was based on the fact that parenting in the Netherlands focuses on creating happy children. The whole society gets involved to make it a priority. It's a good read and I recommend it for any parents that are worried they are holding on too tightly or trying to push their children into checking off too many accomplishment boxes, without taking into account their children's wants and preferences. Or it's fun if you are just curious to understand how parenting is done in other places.

2.5 stars. I went in hoping for some practical info like The Danish Way of Parenting or Bringing Up Bebe both of which I loved but this was extremely lacking and mostly discussed the social structures that The Netherlands have in place to lead happier lives. Long story short: give your kids more freedom and independence.

This was a great read and really insightful. Some reviewers commented that this advice wasn't practical for the states and I agree but only to a point. Sure, as an Alaskan I won't' be biking to and from work along to road in deep snow 16 miles and I'm not sure I feel that Alaska is as safe as The Netherlands with regards to kids just playing out in public alone, but a lot of what Acosta discusses can be applied to everyday life. The Dutch have a really laid back approach to parenting that focuses on the children respecting their parents and thus being well-behaved and happy. They focus on a more collaborative view and are really open-minded when it comes to their children as individuals. I think if anything, this book is a great reminder that much of the time America doesn't know best. If you have kids or want kids, definitely give this a go. #thehappiestkidsintheworld #bookworm #bookstagram #bookish

I wish I had read this book while pregnant with my 1st. So much of the lifestyle makes sense! I can't stop talking about or thinking about the concepts in this book. I whole heartily recommend this to parents. Now on to find more Dutch parenting/lifestyle/culture books!

Meh. Nothing groundbreaking here, but also nothing objectionable. I liked the discussion on camping and hobbies, as that was something I had not seen discussed much in other similar books.