Kid Friendly Country

A general mulling on SA today... It's our second time here, first with kiddo in tow. I am blown away by how kid-friendly everything is here. This is not to say that the Netherlands is anti-children. But it's different. Like our trip to Spain, you can tell here that children are not only catered to in most establishments, but they are welcomed. Pretty much everyone, staff and fellow tourists/customers, is happy to see your kid. Nearly every restaurant had high chairs for her and crayons to boot. We stayed at B n Bs and self-catering so I can't speak for hotels. But in general people just like kids here. And you see everyone out with their kids. Granted we were traveling in what is the equivalent of August school holiday high season, but almost despite that you could tell people were genuinely happy and enjoying having small people around.

I think the difference in the Netherlands and I dare say in the US, is that children are at best tolerated. This is not to say we rocked up to a Michelin star restaurant with our toddler - we didn't seek out those venues that are posh and simply not the right fit for small people. There are restaurants here who expressly place signs to let it be known  that children under a certain age are not allowed. And that is fine, because there should be a respite from rug rats somewhere. But OH and I have enjoyed the genuine pleasure we see people take in our toddling kiddo. It helps she is only budding on Toddler with a capital T obnoxiousness and generally a sweet kid when we are out. The rest is just good, child-welcoming culture.