The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Is a "Viking" Childhood a Happier Childhood (with Helen Russell)?
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May 12, 2025 
Helen Russell, a British journalist and author of 'The Danish Secret to Happy Kids', shares her enlightening experience of parenting in Denmark. She discusses how Danish children thrive on outdoor play and acceptable risks, contrasting it with more protective parenting styles in the U.K. and U.S. Russell emphasizes the core values of trust and autonomy in fostering happier, independent kids. She also uncovers how embracing risks during adolescence builds resilience and essential life skills, advocating for a balanced approach to happiness and responsibility.
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Helen's Nordic Parenting Journey
- Helen Russell moved from London to Denmark to investigate why Danes are consistently the happiest people.
- She stayed twelve years and learned that Danish children grow up happier, healthier, and more independent.
Tilid: The Foundation of Trust
- Danish society is built on tilid, a mix of trust and faith in community responsibility.
- This trust allows children autonomy and reduces parental anxiety.
Early Independence with Risks
- Danish toddlers learn to dress themselves, climb trees, and use knives for simple tasks.
- Helen's twins were given knives at age two in a family scouting program.
