Why do: Dutch babies seem so content, and sleep so well? Dutch parents let their kids play outside on their own? The Dutch trust their children to bike to school? Dutch schools not set homework for the under-tens? Dutch teenagers not rebel? What is the secret of bringing up the happiest kids in the world? The secret of bringing up the happiest kids in the world. In a recent UNICEF study of child well-being, Dutch children came out on top as the happiest all-round. In Growing Up Happy, Rina Mae Acosta and Michele Hutchison, both married to Dutchmen and bringing up their kids in Holland, examine the unique environment that enables the Dutch to turn out such contented, well-adjusted and healthy babies, children and teens. So what is the secret? Is it that babies are given a strict routine, or that children cycle to school and are allowed to play outside on their own? Is it that they don't get homework until they are ten, or that they seem content with secondhand toys? Does the fact that home births are popular have anything to do with it, or that Dutch parents have nailed the work/life balance? Is it because Dutch kids are seen and heard - or because they get to eat chocolate sprinkles on buttered bread for breakfast? Read this book if you want to find out what lessons you can learn from Dutch parents, to ensure your kids turn out happy!