In our home, lazy Sundays are an absolute necessity. Most shops are closed or only open in the afternoon, if you’re lucky. My partner, Tom, is usually busy whipping up a gourmet breakfast while I’m on the couch, nursing our baby Oliver and plotting our nature outing for the day. Meanwhile, our eldest, Leo, entertains himself in his room with his building blocks.
This particular morning, the sun is shining, and the crisp autumn air has set a cheerful tone for the day. Tom is cooking wentelteefjes, the Dutch version of French toast, topped with goat cheese, strawberries, mango, and blueberries. I’m browsing local trails to hunt for those enchanting fly agaric mushrooms—the iconic red ones with white spots that I once thought only existed in video games and fairy tales. To my surprise, they grow abundantly here, though we’re just looking to admire them from a safe distance.
“Hey love, check this out!” Tom calls from the dining area.
I turn to see Leo in his high chair, grinning widely, having made himself quite the breakfast. Before him sits a slice of bread slathered in unsalted butter and topped with hagelslag—those delightful chocolate sprinkles.
“No wonder Dutch kids are the happiest in the world,” I think. “Who wouldn’t be thrilled to start the day with chocolate?”
I can already hear the clutches of disapproval from those so-called perfect moms online. Chocolate for breakfast? Surely, a sugar rush first thing in the morning isn’t a wise choice. And oh, what a mess Leo has made! Butter smudged on his face, hands, and all over the high chair, with chocolate sprinkles decorating the floor.
Tom and I share a glance. Do we scold him? Nah, we burst out laughing and chalk it up to another parenting fail. Oblivious to the chaos, Leo digs into his hagelslag sandwich while Tom snaps a picture of his beaming face.
Is There Something Special About Hagelslag?
So, is it really the hagelslag that brings happiness to Dutch children? Watching a BuzzFeed video of American kids trying breakfast from around the world, it was evident that Dutch breakfast stole the show. What kid wouldn’t be excited about chocolate in the morning? However, children in other countries also indulge in sugary foods, often in the form of cereals—Coco Pops, anyone? So, I think it’s more about the family aspect of breakfast.
According to a 2013 UNICEF report that declared Dutch kids the happiest globally, a whopping 85% of surveyed Dutch children aged 11, 13, and 15 eat breakfast daily. Sitting down to share meals as a family before school and work is a cornerstone of Dutch life. In contrast, many American and British families often skip breakfast altogether, rushing out the door.
The Dutch understand the importance of regular meals, especially starting the day with breakfast. Research shows that eating breakfast can reduce unhealthy snacking, lower obesity risk, and boost concentration in school. Dutch families prioritize breakfast time, creating a calming and bonding experience for everyone.
The Dutch Way of Eating
I was surprised to find that chocolate sprinkles are a breakfast staple in the Netherlands. Don’t the Dutch know about the significance of a balanced diet? It’s true that Dutch cuisine can be perceived as bland, focusing on meals that are quick, affordable, and nutritious. The only difference between a typical Dutch lunch and breakfast is the three hours in between—they both often consist of open sandwiches. Dinner, the sole hot meal, usually features the holy trinity of meat, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Not exactly Michelin-star material.
Yet, recent studies suggest that the Dutch pragmatic approach to food might be the key to their success. A 2014 Oxfam study proclaimed the Netherlands as having the “best food in the world,” based on factors like availability, affordability, quality, and low obesity rates. The UK ranked 10th, while the US was way down at 21st, suffering from high obesity and diabetes rates despite scoring well on affordability and quality.
The UNICEF report echoed Oxfam’s findings, revealing that Dutch children have the lowest obesity rates among 29 industrialized nations, with only 8.36% of children aged 11, 13, and 15 classified as obese. In contrast, childhood obesity exceeds 10% in most countries, except for three: the Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland. The conclusion? The best place to eat is right here in the Netherlands. Even with all that butter, bread, and hagelslag, the Dutch maintain a healthy, balanced diet that’s accessible to everyone.
As I watch Leo happily munching his Dutch breakfast, his little head bobbing and legs kicking with glee, I finally grasp the essence of hagelslag. Taking a moment to admire him and quieting the anxious thoughts in my mind, I realize that beyond the joy of chocolate, he feels proud and confident in choosing and preparing his own breakfast. It’s truly all about the hagelslag!
This delightful moment is just one of many that remind me of the joys of parenting and how simple pleasures can create lasting happiness. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination and pregnancy, check out this informative resource on IVF and find out more about at-home insemination kits.
Summary
The joy of Dutch children may stem from their unique breakfasts, particularly the beloved hagelslag, which adds a touch of sweetness to their mornings. However, it’s not just about the chocolate sprinkles; the real secret lies in the family bonding experienced during breakfast time. The Dutch prioritize shared meals, which contribute to their overall happiness and health, as evidenced by low obesity rates and high breakfast participation. Ultimately, it’s about nurturing self-confidence and connection through simple, joyful moments as a family.