Unicef report

Just thought I'd share an interesting article I read in the paper this week (The Independant, 14/2/07). This international Unicef report has examined six categories ( Happiness, family&friendships, education, health&safety, poverty&inequality and sex, drink and drugs) for young people's physical and emotional well-being. Don't want to boast or anything but it showed that Holland came top out of 21 countries and unfortunately the UK came bottom! The paper headlines said: Britain's children: unhappy, neglected and poorly educated. It is quite a wake-up call to parents and politicians as considering England is one of the most wealthy economies in the world, we are not doing a very good job in looking after our children. So what's Hollands' secret? ''Let them be free''! Apparently we play more when english children are already learning grammar or doing homework. Is it the maximum freedom, minimum responsibility approach? The paper articles say its down to the child-centred dutch society. Family relationships are generally open and good and children are happy and well-adjusted. I must say, I love the way I used to play outside in safe roads, eat 3 meals per day at the kitchen table with my family, discussing our daily issues and not feeling under pressure to do drink, drugs or sex.
So what am I doing here in England! Well, lets begin with trying to be more salt and light in my little world and if we all start making a difference, England will become a better place don't you think!