Why does Denmark consistently rank as one of the happiest countries in the world? And what does that have to do with how you parent your kids?In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Joelle Alexander—bestselling author of The Danish Way of Parenting—to unpack the cultural and psychological foundations of parenting that foster resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence in children.We explore what makes Danish parenting unique, how Nordic societies prioritize wellbeing over productivity, and why giving kids more freedom and fewer ultimatums can radically improve their mental health. Jessica breaks down the six powerful principles of the Danish model—P.A.R.E.N.T.—and shares why screen time doesn’t have to be the enemy of connection.We also dive into:The invisible cultural settings we carry into parenthoodWhy American parenting often misses the mark on trust and autonomyHer new book The Danish Way Everyday, and how to apply these principles from toddlers to teensA refreshing take on digital citizenship, reframing tech from fear to trustWhether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone reflecting on how your childhood shaped you, this episode is packed with grounded wisdom and real-world tools.Subscribe for more in-depth conversations that challenge how we think about parenting, culture, and growth.Keep up with Jessica  / jessicajoellealexander    / raisingdigitalcitizens  https://thedanishway.com/  / jessicajoellealexander  https://geni.us/6mhvUChapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting Across Cultures00:16 Cultural Influences on Happiness and Parenting03:10 Learning from Diverse Parenting Styles06:14 The Importance of Play in Child Development09:09 Understanding Danish Happiness and Parenting Principles12:22 Exploring the Six Principles of Danish Parenting14:58 Authenticity and Emotional Awareness in Parenting18:07 Reframing Challenges for Resilient Kids21:25 Internal vs. External Locus of Control24:05 Empathy as a Core Value in Parenting27:21 Balancing Empathy and Competitiveness47:52 Fostering Community and Team Spirit48:43 Cultural Differences in Competition50:05 The Importance of Teamwork and Empathy51:46 Balancing Push and Support in Parenting54:10 The Role of Discipline Across Cultures58:05 Respect-Based Parenting vs. Authoritarian Styles59:52 Shifting from Power Struggles to Cooperation01:02:28 Understanding the Concept of Hygge01:06:41 Creating Cozy Family Moments01:10:00 Digital Citizenship and Parenting01:13:27 Preparing Kids for the Digital World01:18:17 The Invisible Classmate Concept01:21:51 Practical Applications of the Danish Way01:24:05 Starting Small: Default Settings in ParentingMy Socials  / daniel.laurean    / daniel-laurean-25b50085  https://www.daniellaurean.com