Why this American feels that parenting in Denmark is easier |
An American parent raising a child in Denmark noticed a quiet but powerful shift. Parenting there feels lighter, calmer, and less isolating. In a piece for Business Insider, writer Olivia Liveng explains how Danish systems, social trust, and everyday design reduce stress for families. Living in Copenhagen with her Danish spouse and young son, she experiences parenting not as a solo task, but as a shared responsibility shaped by the society around her.
A move that reshaped motherhood
Olivia Liveng grew up in the US with two clear dreams: becoming a mother and living abroad. Both came true after she met her Danish husband while traveling. She later moved from New York City to Copenhagen, a city ranked first in the Happy City Index 2025.After the birth of her son, Aksel, three years ago, Denmark stopped being just a country she lived in. It became the place where she learned how deeply culture can influence parenting. Through daycare routines, public spaces, and daily interactions, she began to understand why Denmark is praised for family well-being.
Trust replaces constant supervision
In Denmark, children are encouraged to be independent early. Parents trust teachers, caregivers, and systems to make sound decisions.When Aksel was just a year old, his daycare took the class on a field trip. There were no permission slips and no advance emails. Later, updates appeared on the parent app Aula, showing photos of toddlers riding the Metro or exploring historic sites like Rosenborg Castle.For someone raised in the US, where even short school outings often require paperwork and reminders, this felt shocking. Olivia explains that this trust is possible partly because Denmark has a low-litigation culture. Safety is important, but fear of lawsuits does not dominate decisions. The result is less anxiety for parents and more freedom for children.
A society designed around children
Denmark’s child-first mindset shows up everywhere. Public spaces actively include families instead of treating them as an inconvenience.In Copenhagen, shopping malls have proper family rooms for feeding and changing babies, including in men’s bathrooms. Restaurants, even formal ones, provide highchairs and sometimes play areas. Parks and beaches are never far away. The city is designed so most people can reach green spaces within 15 minutes.This stands in contrast to many US cities, where parents often have to plan routes carefully due to poor stroller access or lack of elevators. In Denmark, ramps, wide paths, and safe crossings are standard. Parents do not need to explain their presence. The environment already expects children to be there.
Childcare as a public good, not a privilege
Another major relief comes from childcare. Signing up for public daycare was simple and centralized. Government subsidies make high-quality care affordable and accessible.In Denmark, childcare is treated as a basic social need. Families are not expected to justify why they need it. As a result, Denmark leads the European Union in the number of children attending formal childcare each week.This also changes work culture. Many parents, even in corporate jobs, pick up their children by 4 pm. Work adjusts around family life, not the other way around.
Letting children take real risks
Danish playgrounds often surprise newcomers. Parents jokingly describe them as coming “with a side of danger.” Children climb high structures, use tools, and even learn about fire under supervision.This approach initially felt uncomfortable to Olivia, who was used to the American “helicopter parenting” style. Over time, she saw that this was not neglect. It was confidence in children’s abilities and in trained educators.
Parenting as a shared effort
In the US, parenting can feel like defensive driving. Parents stay alert, anticipate problems, and constantly advocate for their child. Olivia explains that Denmark feels different.Here, parenting feels collective. Whether a child goes on an unplanned school outing or learns to ride a bike at a staffed playground, trust is the default. Parents rely on systems and community instead of carrying all the responsibility alone.Denmark is not perfect, and raising a child as an expat comes with challenges. Still, this trust-based approach offers something many parents crave: a sense of support that extends beyond the home.Disclaimer: This article is curated and adapted from a piece written by Olivia Liveng for Business Insider. It reflects her personal experiences as an American parent living in Denmark. Cultural experiences may vary, and this content does not intend to generalise parenting practices across all families or countries.
