By: Emily Johnson and Mark Thompson
In our household, lazy Sundays are an essential part of life. With most shops closed or open only in the afternoon, we embrace a slower pace. Daniel is usually in the kitchen whipping up a delightful breakfast, while I relax on the couch, nursing our baby, Leo, and plotting an afternoon stroll through nature. Meanwhile, our older son, Oliver, entertains himself in his room with his building blocks.
This particular morning, the sun shines brightly and the crisp autumn air invigorates us. Daniel is preparing wentelteefjes, the Dutch twist on French toast, garnished with goat cheese and a medley of strawberries, mango, and blueberries. As I search for local trails to find fly agaric mushrooms—those enchanting red fungi with white spots that I once thought only existed in fantasy—Daniel calls out, “Hey love, come check this out!”
I glance over to see Oliver, our 3-year-old, beaming from his high chair. He’s taken matters into his own hands, crafting a breakfast masterpiece of bread layered with unsalted butter and hagelslag—Dutch chocolate sprinkles.
In that moment, I can’t help but think, “It’s no wonder Dutch kids are said to be the happiest in the world.” Who wouldn’t be thrilled to start their day with chocolate? I can almost hear the collective gasps of disapproving parents online. After all, chocolate for breakfast might raise eyebrows, and the mess he’s made—chocolate sprinkles and butter everywhere—would surely send some into a frenzy.
Instead, Daniel and I burst into laughter, dismissing the idea of reprimanding him. Oblivious to the chaos, Oliver devours his hagelslag sandwich, and Daniel captures the joy on his face with a quick photo.
The Breakfast That Brings Joy
But is it really the hagelslag that contributes to the happiness of Dutch children? A BuzzFeed video showed American kids trying various international breakfasts, and it was clear that the Dutch option stole their hearts. However, children in other countries also indulge in sugary breakfasts, often through cereal. It seems to me that the real secret lies in the Dutch tradition of family breakfasts.
According to a 2013 UNICEF report, which declared Dutch children to be the happiest globally, a remarkable 85% of Dutch kids aged 11, 13, and 15 eat breakfast daily. The Dutch prioritize family meals, especially breakfast, which is a cherished routine before the day begins. In contrast, American and British families often skip breakfast in the rush to get out the door.
What the Dutch seem to appreciate is the significance of regular meals, starting with breakfast. Numerous studies have highlighted the advantages of eating breakfast daily: it reduces unhealthy snacking, lowers obesity risks, and enhances concentration for school-aged children. The Dutch are advocates of breakfast as a daily ritual, seemingly reaping the rewards in happiness and health.
Balancing Pleasure and Nutrition
I was surprised to learn that chocolate sprinkles are a staple breakfast item in the Netherlands. Aren’t they aware of the importance of a balanced diet? The Dutch culinary reputation, especially among expatriates, often leans towards being practical and straightforward. Meals should be simple, quick to prepare, and nutritious. The distinction between a typical Dutch breakfast and lunch is merely the time of day—both feature open-faced sandwiches. Dinner, known as the holy trinity, usually consists of meat, a vegetable, and a carbohydrate.
Despite their simple approach, a 2014 Oxfam study declared the Netherlands to possess “the best food in the world,” based on factors like food availability, affordability, quality, and obesity rates. The UK ranked 10th, while the US fell to 21st due to high obesity and diabetes rates despite scoring well on affordability and quality. The UNICEF report corroborated Oxfam’s findings, revealing that Dutch children enjoy the lowest obesity rates among 29 industrialized nations, with only 8.36% classified as obese. In stark contrast, many countries face childhood obesity rates above 10%. It appears the Netherlands stands out as a model for healthy eating.
As I watch Oliver joyfully savor his breakfast, his little body swaying and kicking in delight, I finally grasp the essence of hagelslag. Beyond the delightful taste of chocolate, it’s about the independence and pride Oliver feels in choosing and preparing his meal. This small act translates into self-confidence. The secret truly lies in the hagelslag.
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In summary, the happiness of Dutch children may stem from a blend of family traditions, dietary habits, and the empowering experience of enjoying simple pleasures—like chocolate sprinkles for breakfast.
Keyphrase: Dutch children’s happiness
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