Happy children don’t have to be rich children.
When I hear Norwegian parents complaining that they don’t know what to buy their children for Christmas, it makes me really annoyed. When you ask them why they don’t know, the standard answer is “They have everything”. And it’s true; the majority of kids in Norway do have everything. A British research published recently revealed that the happiest children in Europe are in the Netherlands and Scandinavia but Britain is among the worst places to grow up, according to new British research. When we talk about happiest children, I don’t agree with this research programme. I grew up in Britain, and as a child coming from a working class family, we didn’t have loads of money for clothes and toys, but I remember having a very contented childhood. This research mentions Norway has having the third best country in Europe for the happiest children and the UK at number 43. Does having all the toys and clothes you ask for make you a happy child? Well maybe for a while, but kids soon get fed up with new toys and start looking around for new ones. Norway is one of the riches countries in the world but being rich doesn’t always bring happiness or happy children. This research, focused on young people aged up to 19, was compiled by researchers at York University in northern England for the Child Poverty Action Group using data mainly from 2006. I have been living in Norway for over 30 years and I love this country. As a pensioner I couldn’t wish for anything better. The children born here are very, very lucky and they know it. They are growing up in a healthy environment, excellent education and plenty of employment opportunities.
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