Interesting but heavily relied on anecdotes

This book was entertaining and the advice is mostly evidence-based but that’s because of decades of good social policy, not because the authors have looked rigorously at the evidence, instead relying on anecdotes from their own families and friends.

I disagree with the other reviewers who say the suggestions can’t be implemented outside the Netherlands - the whole point is about reconsidering parenting decisions and trying to make changes on an individual or societal level (eg. if it’s not safe for your kid to cycle to school then ask your local government to build bike lanes and if enough people ask then they will). But I do agree about the cherry-picking of data; avoiding realities that don’t fit the premise of the book; and ignoring any child who because of disability, racial discrimination or other reasons can’t “just be normal” as is so strongly advocated for.

Recommended as a travel-blog-style light read rather than a parenting manual.

This book was full of anecdotes, but no real evidence about the superiority of Dutch parenting. The authors seem to assume good outcomes are based on egalitarianism that runs deep in the culture, while glossing over things such as the lack of grade inflation, etc. Pretty flimsy. Also, the authors seem to have had exceptional British/American experiences, so their comparisons are tough to understand for those who had a more typical upbringing.

There is a Dutch trend hitting the US right now and I’m so down for it. I love anything European and their parenting styles and how they differ are so interesting. This was a fun read and I feel like I could live Dutch. They advocate independence, outdoortime, and open communication.

Similarly written to Bringing up Bebe, with opposite parenting philosophy. The Dutch are more authoritarian and peaceful parenting.

I hou van deze nederlander moeders!

4.3