I just read that The Netherlands is the best place for a great childhood

Question

What is it like for the Dutch under 18's?

Answer 1

Yes - it's been in the news along with the recent 'happiness' report where the Netherlands also rated within the top 10 there as well

It's a good place to live for all ages if you ask me.  However family values are still intact and if I read about some other countries where there is little to no respect anymore (at any level) then I am really happy to bring up my kids here and not elsewhere

Childcare is still difficult and expensive, but schooling is very good, education being at a high standard.  Also from reading about e.g. the education system in the UK, I thnk there is less pressure but on a child at such an early age (e.g. all the tests that under 14 years olds have to take in the UK compared with the NL system)

Healthcare is also at a high standard as well which is a big positive

Generally the family comes before work in most families.  "Work to live" over "Live to Work" being true here.  Companies by and large understand that, but some are more "family friendly" than others e.g. allowing homeworking, part time work etc

There are plenty of clubs, sports etc for kids to spend time after school in, and hence the "latch-key" mentality (of a child being home alone until late in the evening) is not a big thing here.

The only difficulty I would say, is to find housing at a cheap price in a nice area & things like a garden - which are important.  All the 'nice' areas reflect that in the price (in the A'dam-R'dam-Den Haag-Utrecht area).  Indeed that is one of the reasons why we are moving ourselves.

The other thing I notice is that communication is a big factor - children are treated like children but with respect, and most parents try to have an open communication channel so that (a) there is a positive communication interaction both ways and (b) that no subject is taboo and can be discussed openly

The ecomomy is also in a good state with high employement levels so that kids have a chance to get on the ladder when leaving education so there is a positive outlook to the future

Then finally I guess the culture here also plays a part.  A lot of foreigners bang on constantly about "marijuana and prostitution" - but actually it is a positive - indicative of the culture in that if there are less things that are taboo then (a) the real issues can be addressed and focused on by a parent and (b) if something is not taboo when growing up then it's not a big deal for a kids when he is older either.

So, long story, but this is my perspective!

Answer 2

Awesome!

I loved it!

As a teen in Holland I always had more freedom then I ever experienced in Canada. With your friends a bike ride away and lots of entertainment in the cities we were always busy.