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.