How to Raise a Viking

The Secrets of Parenting the World’s Happiest Children

Helen Russell

$39.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

Fourth Estate Ltd
19 June 2024

Sociology: family & relationships; Child & developmental psychology; Social, group or collective psychology; Pregnancy, birth & baby care; Living & working abroad

"'Helen has a way to take big ideas and convey them with warmth and wisdom' Dr Rangan Chatterjee

'A well researched study injected with humour and humanity' Mail on Sunday

What do Vikings know about raising children? Turns out, quite a lot…

After a decade of living in Denmark and raising a family there, Helen Russell noticed that Nordic children are different. They eat differently. They learn differently. They run, jump and climb out in nature for hours a day, even though the weather is terrible and it's dark October to March. And then they grow up to be some of the happiest adults on the planet. Her question was: how?

In How to Raise a Viking, Russell takes a deep dive into the parenting culture of Denmark and the other Nordic nations, from parental leave policies to school structure, screen time, and the surprising customs that lead to happy, well-adjusted humans. This fascinating peek behind the cultural curtain allows readers a glimpse of another world, where babies sleep outside in their prams up to -20°C and pre-schoolers wield axes.

Refreshingly funny and unfailingly optimistic about the new generation of humans growing up in the world right now, this is a heart-warming love letter to Russell’s adopted homeland and proof that we could all use a bit more Viking in our lives.

‘Helen Russell explains from experience how Nordic countries put a strong emphasis on resilience, outdoor play, independence, egalitarianism and a balanced approach to education and family life. ""Viking parenting"" is about raising children to be self-assured, capable and connected to the natural world, and studies suggest the happiest children are in Scandinavia’ The Week

'Ditch all the other parenting books. This is the one – funny, helpful, doable and not guilt-inducing. Makes me want to have kids all over again and try it this way' Matt Rudd"

By: Helen Russell
Imprint: Fourth Estate Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 222mm, Width: 141mm, Spine: 36mm
Weight: 420g
ISBN: 9780008602727
ISBN 10: 0008602727
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 19 June 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Helen Russell is a hugely well-connected, well-respected journalist, and author of the highly successful The Year of Living Danishly (53k TCM). As How to be Sad explores, happiness and unhappiness aren't always mutually exclusive, and we can all get happier - by learning how to be sad, better.

Reviews for How to Raise a Viking: The Secrets of Parenting the World’s Happiest Children

'I learnt how to live Danishly and now I know how to raise my children like a Viking (but a good Viking). Helen’s brilliant writing is having a dangerously powerful impact on me which is leading me to an inevitable emigration to Scandinavia. I just need to let my wife and children know…' Rob Beckett