Representing the best
Finnish authors abroad
Finnish authors abroad
Is it better to raise your child to be a successful adult or, rather, a happy, healthy, and nice person?
They say money can’t buy you happiness. Although Finland is an affluent country with enviable PISA ratings, what is its qualitative secret to achieving consistent high rankings on the global happiness indexes? Could it be that children in Finland are raised not to strive to success above all, but to be adaptable, caring, and kind?
“In order to grow up into a well-adjusted adult, a child needs love and boundaries, emotional skills, and appreciation,” says Kaija Puura, professor of child psychiatry and senior physician in Finland. Puura defines a happy, well-adjusted child as some who is independent, has healthy self-esteem, can adapt their feelings and behaviour to a situation, is flexible-minded and collaborative, can create positive relationships, has empathy, and helps those who need it.
Puura shares insights into the child’s world, giving real and relatable examples of different scenarios from everyday life. Her indispensable book equips parents with practical and non-judgmental tips and encouragement on how their behaviour can have a positive impact on their child’s growth and happiness, how to form good habits with their children, and how to keep their cool when a tantrum strikes! Among others, Puura offers advice on:
• How to survive toddler meltdowns
• Why giving choices is a decision-making dilemma for your child
• What to do when your child plays the “no” game
• How to make mealtimes bearable for everyone
• Making a routine for mealtimes, bedtimes, and homegoing time
• Why free play is the best way to develop creativity
Finnish PDF
English sample translation 45pp
(full English translaiton available in spring 2026)
Synopsis
Author letter
Author interview
Albanian (Botimet Pena)
Bulgarian (Ciela)
Croatian (Stilus knjiga d.o.o.)
Dutch (Alfabet Uitgevers)
English World (Sheldon Press)
Estonian (Tänapäev)
Hungarian (Alexandra kiadó)
Lithuanian (Balto)
Polish (Luna)
Portuguese (Editora Pergaminho)
Serbian (Vulkan)
Russian (Eksmo)
Ukrainian (Laboratoria)
‘A positive, compassionate and non-judgemental parenting manual which offers expert advice by a child psychiatrist from the world’s happiest country, Finland, is exactly what we think parents in the English-speaking world need currently. Kaija Puura balances the need to give children independence and autonomy with a gentle approach to boundary-setting and routine, which creates flexible, collaborative and well-adjusted young people. Every parent wants to raise a good person, and a happy adult, and we can’t think of a better place to start than with this delightful book, whose advice is grounded in work with children who’ve grown up in the happiest country in the world.’ —Victoria Roddam, Editorial Director, Sheldon Press, UK
‘We are delighted to be publishing this timely and necessary book. In a climate where authoritarianism seems to be gaining ground across Europe and beyond, we are pleased to offer a counterpoint with a book that addresses the roots of ethical responsibility and citizenship: the home. Kaija Puura’s parenting philosophy is not just a practical tool for parents and educators; it is also essential reading for anyone interested in positive and non-violent communication. It shows how to create families where each member, regardless of age or role, is valued equally and where equality is truly fostered’. – Joana Neves, Betrand/Pergaminho, Portugal
‘One cannot have too many books on parenting and Kaija Puura’s positive, encouraging and practical approach definitely is what helps to bring up a happy and well-adjusted person. This book is full of accessible, non judgemental everyday tips for every parent in a crossroad of too many important choices.’ —Ieva Savukynaitė-Dubicka, BALTO, Lithuania
‘I would say that with parenting books people often feel more connected to the authors in similar cultural space – so there is a tradition of respecting Nordic parenting books, that usually relies on combination of friendly and pragmatic approach.’ —Tauno Vahter, Tänapäev, Estonia
