The Erosion of Childhood in the Nordic Countries—A Cautionary Tale for the UK?
LEADING childhood development experts are raising concerns at an international conference in
London over the unintended consequences of childcare policies in Finland and Denmark, warning
that the UK is heading in a similar direction.
As economic and political pressures push parents into full-time employment and prioritise early
out of home day-care of children, they caution that these policies risk undermining children’s
emotional well-being, secure relationships, and holistic development.
The Foundation for the Future conference, convened by the European Federation of Parents &
Carers at Home (FEFAF) and London based think-tank, Civitas, is bringing together researchers from
around the world to discuss how to reshape and redirect Early Years policy. The conference is being
organised as part of a larger campaign to address three problematic trends observable across many
western countries.
Firstly, a negative narrative around children themselves, with children represented as ‘barriers’,
‘burdens’ or ‘obstacles’ standing in the way of female employment targets. Secondly, a devaluing of
the role of parents, with the important work of raising children invisible in GDP measurements and
stay-at-home mothers deemed “economically inactive”. Finally, a general lack of understanding of –
and lack of interest in – the impact that childcare policies have on children, especially as professional
childcare is being promoted for more and more children, for longer and longer hours and at younger
and younger ages.
Lea Pulkkinen, Professor of Psychology Emerita at the University of Jyväskylä, argues that in
Finland, the “ten pillars of a good childhood” are being eroded by an ideology of global competition.
These pillars include creative play, physical activity, access to nature, growing independence, strong
community support and, crucially, stable caregivers. Over the past two decades, economic
competition has driven a push for early cognitive development and full-time parental workforce
participation, often at the expense of children’s social and emotional needs. While their rights are
legally recognised, children are increasingly being left alone both physically and emotionally.
Pulkkinen states: “In Finland, economic values increasingly dominate, replacing educational
philosophy and causing the erosion of childhood”. Lea suggests that we need to be aware of these
harmful trends in order to restore the balance. Public policy and community life need to refocus on
the needs of children and on respect for parenting.
Similarly, Ole Henrik Hansen, Professor in Early Childhood Education and Care at Jönköping
University in Denmark, criticises the current Danish practice of early institutionalisation of children
and a lack of support for parents. He argues that a focus on workforce participation over children’s
well-being has created unacceptable conditions for many children, especially the youngest. Hansen
presents research showing the importance of secure relationships and present caregivers,
concluding that parents play a crucial role in ensuring children’s health and welfare. He advocates
for extended parental leave, a delayed start to day-care, and a reorganisation of day-care with a
focus on high-quality kindergartens.
The UK is increasingly mirroring these trends, with growing pressure on parents to return to work
early and an expanding reliance on external childcare. The UK therefore risks following the same
trajectory, where economic and political goals take precedence over child well-being. The
conference contributors urge policymakers to take action by strengthening parental support,
rethinking early childcare models, and ensuring policies place children’s emotional and
developmental needs at the forefront.
“Finland and Denmark provide crucial lessons for the UK,” says Anne Fennell, Chair Mothers at
Home Matter and President of European Federation of Parents & Carers at Home. “We have
convened this conference, Foundation for the Future because in our extensive campaigning – here in
the UK, at the UN and across Europe – not one politician, academic, or daycare lobbyist could answer
the simple question: What evidence is there that these policies pushing very young children into
daycare are good for the child?”
Keynote speakers Erica Komisar and Professor James Heckman reinforce the need to take
seriously these concerns. Komisar, psychoanalyst and author of Being There: Why Prioritizing
Motherhood in the first three years Matters, draws on both clinical experience and extensive
neurobiological research to demonstrate that the presence and engagement of a mother, father, or
a constant family caregiver is a key determinant of long-term positive outcomes for children. The
first 1,000 days of life represent a critical window for brain development, during which babies are
highly sensitive to their environment. Mothers in particular play a vital role in buffering stress,
regulating emotions, and fostering a sense of security—functions akin to a baby’s central nervous
system.
Heckman, winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics and Director of the Centre for the Economics
of Human Development, states that we have neglected the role of the parent in public policy. He
further emphasises that caregiving and home life remain glaring omissions from national economic
budgets, despite being fundamental to successful child outcomes and developing human potential.
We urge policy makers to ensure that economic priorities do not come at the cost of our
children’s emotional security and long-term development. Governments and communities can and
ought to work together to create policies which respect the role of parents, prioritise children’s
needs, and avoid the pitfalls seen in other countries. By learning from the Nordic experience, the UK
has an opportunity to protect childhood, rather than erode it.
Follow-up report with recommendations to be prepared for March 2025.
