ABOUT

Iben Sandahl was born in Denmark and grew up in Aarhus. She moved to Copenhagen, where she became a teacher and licensed psychotherapist MPF with her own private consultation. She is known for her Danish parenting philosophy and her books - available in 32 languages - and her insistence on equipping parents, educators, and leaders with a fundamentally new vision of what is possible in the world. Beliefs and values encompass children's right to be their authentic selves with a safe childhood that allows them to grow at their own pace.

She is a strong believer in living authentically with the capacity to change negative beliefs into more constructive and caring narratives. Her foundation is rooted in the Enlightenment and European values such as democracy, the rule of law, and equality. Her perspective is rounded by quintessential Danish traits like ‘HYGGE’ and the Danish way of parenting, both of which have played a role in why Denmark has been ranked the happiest country in the world for more than 40 years.

Her main objectives are to inspire, help and support parents and professionals to ensure that new generations of children can grow up with a highest degree of social- and mental health by offering alternatives to the downward spiral in happiness that is seen everywhere today. Her methods have been followed by thousands of families, schools, colleges, universities, and organisations worldwide. When she is not working, she is first and foremost a mother of two beautiful daughters, Ida and Julie, and happily married to Morten.

Photo: Signe Bay

Contact

Iben Dissing Sandahl

Lyngby Hovedgade 96, st.
2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

info@ibensandahl.com

  • "Thank you Iben for valuable knowledge that you have given to me in the past 3 days. I must say that you posses a lot of knowledge, you have a pure heart and are a great host. Can't wait for your next book."

    - Msc. Maja Puctzi

  • "Besides being an incredible and highest quality author, Iben Sandahl is also a fantastic speaker. She is extremely collaborative, easily adjusting to the circumstances and instantly connecting to the audience. A delightful and inspiring person to work with in every step of the book process."

    - Camila Leme, Companhia das Letras, Brazilian publisher of The Danish way of parenting

  • "I couldn't find a better person for telling me about the Danish school system. It can be seen that Iben is setting high standards in her work and that she is loyal to her values. That makes her professional, transparent and authentic. "

    - Sanela Talic, Institut za raziskave in razvoj "Utrip"

  • "I am very happy that I met such a warm person. I think that Iben was a great teacher who gave me a lot of knowledge. The most important thing that I bring with me is that we should always meet children with respect and remember being human. When I listened to Iben, I said: 'Yes, this woman is great. "

    - Alenka, Principal from Slovenia

  • "I left the workshop with a much more active listening. I wish I could put into words the channel that opened in my mind after Iben's very giving and amazing speech, but there's no words to express my gratitude. She brings everything with thoroughness and mastery learning. Thank you for this opportunity!"

    - Orjana Oliveira

  • "Clear messages, a lot of energy, a lot of life experience, a lot of love and a lot of sparks in everything Iben has to say. And what are we without it? What are we without the sparks? Thank you, Iben"

    - Natalija

  • "Iben Sandahl's work is truly a gift to all parents and families and those who work with them. Her writing is a perfect blend of research, experience, and applicability making it easily accessible for any reader. Her passion and dedication to her work comes through in all she does and it is a pleasure to know and learn from her."

    - Amanda Hardy Hillman, PhD, LPC

  • "It was such a blessing to meet Iben Sandahl, and she impacted my life in the greatest of ways. She is so inspiring, strong and wonderful. Her outlook on life is beautiful and I am touched by the work she does in other people's lives."

    – Anya Snider, Canada

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