Raising Children the Danish Way: A Look at Nordic Parenting Styles as Compared to the U.S.

The Itkowitz and McEvoy families recently shared their experiences of moving back to the US from Denmark and the stark differences they encountered in parenting and education styles.

Returning to La Grange, Illinois, after three years in Denmark, the Itkowitz family experienced culture shock when they were informed that their son Max had thrown a snowball during recess. While in Denmark, such playful acts were encouraged, but in the US, it was seen as a violation of school rules. Becca Itkowitz explained how in Denmark, children are given more freedom to play in the rain, cook over fires, and take safe risks, which stood in contrast to the strict American norms.

On the other hand, Sean McEvoy highlighted the hands-off approach to education in Denmark, where children are encouraged to love learning before being tested rigorously. The McEvoys found it surprising when their son would come home with stones and dead bugs instead of academic lessons, but eventually, they noticed a positive shift in his learning abilities.

Helen Russell, a British journalist living in Denmark, emphasized the importance of play in the Nordic countries and how it contributes to children’s physical and mental development. She also noted the cultural differences in handling injuries, as Danish parents believe that allowing children to engage in risky play builds confidence and resilience.

Overall, the families’ experiences shed light on the varying approaches to parenting and education in different countries, showcasing how the Danish philosophy of prioritizing play, exploration, and gradual learning can lead to happier and more well-rounded children.