105: How Danish Families Build Connection, Responsibility, and Contentment with Jessica Joelle Alexander
Thu Feb 05 2026
I couldn’t stop thinking about this interview with Jessica Joelle Alexander – and honestly, I haven’t stopped since! As a mom and as someone who teaches kids to cook and helps families connect around the table, I was deeply struck by how peacefully and intentionally Danish families seem to live: more play, less pressure; more “we,” less “me.”
In this episode of the podcast, I’m talking with Jessica Joelle Alexander, author of The Danish Way of Parenting and The Danish Way Every Day. This is part two of our conversation, and we’re digging into:
what hygge really is beyond candles and cozy blanketshow Danish families use mealtimes and simple food to build connection instead of conflictwhy involving kids in cooking and chores from toddlerhood can actually feel like playthe powerful idea of equal dignity and seeing our kids as true members of the family teamhow all of this helps children “rest well within themselves” and grow a deep, quiet sense of contentmentIf you’ve ever felt torn between giving your kids a “real childhood” and preparing them for success, or if you’re tired of power struggles around food, chores, and screens, this conversation will feel like a big exhale. Jessica offers such a hopeful, practical picture of family life that isn’t about striving and measuring, but about raising kids who genuinely feel at home in themselves.
Let’s dive into part two!
Resources We Mention for Danish Parenting
Jessica’s books: The Danish Way of Parenting (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and The Danish Way Every Day (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Building Strong Families, Connected Kids with Father Leo of Plating Gracemy No More Picky Eating Challenge3 Reasons Giving Your Kids Responsibilities Is a GiftHow to Raise Siblings Who Love Each OtherFind Jessica at her website Jessica Joelle Alexander or follow her on social: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTubeGet a peek at Teens Cook Real Food right here!
Get your free life skills workshops at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skills
Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!
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I couldn’t stop thinking about this interview with Jessica Joelle Alexander – and honestly, I haven’t stopped since! As a mom and as someone who teaches kids to cook and helps families connect around the table, I was deeply struck by how peacefully and intentionally Danish families seem to live: more play, less pressure; more “we,” less “me.” In this episode of the podcast, I’m talking with Jessica Joelle Alexander, author of The Danish Way of Parenting and The Danish Way Every Day. This is part two of our conversation, and we’re digging into: what hygge really is beyond candles and cozy blanketshow Danish families use mealtimes and simple food to build connection instead of conflictwhy involving kids in cooking and chores from toddlerhood can actually feel like playthe powerful idea of equal dignity and seeing our kids as true members of the family teamhow all of this helps children “rest well within themselves” and grow a deep, quiet sense of contentmentIf you’ve ever felt torn between giving your kids a “real childhood” and preparing them for success, or if you’re tired of power struggles around food, chores, and screens, this conversation will feel like a big exhale. Jessica offers such a hopeful, practical picture of family life that isn’t about striving and measuring, but about raising kids who genuinely feel at home in themselves. Let’s dive into part two! Resources We Mention for Danish Parenting Jessica’s books: The Danish Way of Parenting (Amazon/Bookshop.org) and The Danish Way Every Day (Amazon/Bookshop.org)Building Strong Families, Connected Kids with Father Leo of Plating Gracemy No More Picky Eating Challenge3 Reasons Giving Your Kids Responsibilities Is a GiftHow to Raise Siblings Who Love Each OtherFind Jessica at her website Jessica Joelle Alexander or follow her on social: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTubeGet a peek at Teens Cook Real Food right here! Get your free life skills workshops at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/skills Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at raisinghealthyfamilies.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!