1KHO 466: Why the Happiest Kids in the World Just Play | Jessica Joelle Alexander, The Danish Way of Parenting

What if parenting didn’t have to be so complicated? In this powerful episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich sits down with Jessica Joelle Alexander , author of the bestselling book The Danish Way of Parenting , to uncover why Danish children are consistently ranked among the happiest in the world. Jessica shares what she’s learned from marrying into Danish culture and raising her own kids with radically different values—where play is considered essential, screens are secondary, and resilience is built through freedom, not pressure. Together, Ginny and Jessica explore why free play is the real foundation for emotional strength, social skills, and future success. They dig into how parenting culture in the U.S. has drifted toward control and performance—and how it’s quietly fueling anxiety in both kids and adults. From forest schools and risky play to the overlooked power of hygge and sadness in children’s stories, this conversation offers a life-giving alternative to the parenting pressure cooker. ** Learn more about Jessica and all she has to offer here Get your copy of The Danish Way of Parenting here A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below: Geviti: Visit https://www.gogeviti.com/1000hoursoutside for 20% off your first three months of membership! Active Skin Repair: Visit www.ActiveSkinRepair.com to learn more about Active Skin Repair and their commitment to 1% for the planet and use code: 1000hours to save 20% on all Active Skin Repair products Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more. Crowd Health: Learn more at www.joincrowdhealth.com and get started today for just $99 per month for your first three months by using code 1000HOURS. GoMinno: Download the Minno App or visit www.GoMinno.com to become a member TODAY! BetterHelp: Visit www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS today to get 10% off your first month. Thrive Market: Visit www.thrivemarket.com/1000hours for 30% off your first order plus a FREE $60 gift! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices