Travel & Parenting Reflections: Amsterdam Edition.
Life Tips from the Dutch on Happiness, Parenting, Contentment
by Roxanne Almas, MD
Early one morning while traveling with my family, I was thirsty to stroll through the canals of Amsterdam solo as my family was still asleep and as the morning light hit the flowers, bikes and buildings reflecting each one into the water like a painting.
As I walked to catch the Van Gogh museum and visit Anne Frank’s house, I watched the locals on their way to work.
Parents weren’t driving mini-vans, they were on bikes with children in buckets, sometimes up to three of them.
Fathers are so involved with raising children in this country and they were often the ones accompanying them to school, to the museum, to take the day off to spend a day at the park.
I continued my stroll and discovered children are still in school this week. A long line of 5 and 6 year olds, paired hand in hand, walked into Amsterdam’s largest modern art museum. Not a children’s museum, a modern art museum. I was both confused and impressed.
A group of children at another school were let out for recess from class. What struck me were their screams as they ran to the playground, lasting 30 seconds and could be heard miles away. Their laughter and delight sounded so natural and pure resonating coming from deep inside a child’s body to express a moment of complete freedom.
As I walked more and glanced at a few beautiful store windows, I watched elderly folks on bikes, classy-dressed business women on bikes and a simple man whistling on his bike. The tune of his whistling made me wonder…
I am intrigued by the Dutch people’s approach to life.
Their children are ranked as some of the happiest; the Netherlands ranked as the #5 happiest country in the world on the United Nations World Health Report in 2019. This is in contrast to the US which has never ranked in the top 10 of happy countries and dropped this year to #19.
So why are Dutch kids so happy?
Was it the longer recess time? Bikes outnumbering people and cars? The involvement of fathers? But interestingly, among both children and adults, I didn’t necessarily see constant smiles on their faces or outpouring layers of excitement.
Instead, what I noticed while talking to locals was a sense of contentment, a peaceful ease of mind while riding through life. They ride through the obstacles as they come. They focus on their priorities and instill an incredible sense of independence in their children. Children are heard and their opinions are valued. They seem to take each day as it comes while also taking the time to pause and to whistle along the ride.
What a beautiful way to parent and live.
About the Author:
Roxanne S. Almas, MD, MSPH, is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician supporting families of children with special needs. She is a California native who lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing, cooking and gardening with her family. She is passionate about uplifting others, physician wellness & self-care for mothers.
Connect with her on Facebook: Roxanne Almas, MD: Motherhood-Inspired, Wellness Enthusiast
The Mindful MD Mom Asks:
What differences in lifestyle or parenting have you noticed during your travels? Have you incorporated any of those things in your own parenting or lifestyle? Share with us!
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