Nordic Word of the Week: Lagom
- Growing Up Nordic
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Word Lagom (Swedish) Pronunciation Lah-gom (rhymes with "calm")
Literal Meaning "Not too little, not too much. Just right."
"Not too little, not too much. Just right." There is no direct English translation, but it is often described as the Goldilocks principle of life. It is the feeling of "enoughness."
The Philosophy
In a culture that constantly screams "More, More, More," Lagom is a quiet act of rebellion. It suggests that happiness is not found in the extreme, but in the balance.
For the Nordic family, Lagom is the secret to sustainability—both for the planet and for our energy levels.
In our schedule: It means we do not fill every afternoon with activities. We have soccer, but we also have staring at the ceiling.
In our home: It means we do not need a playroom overflowing with plastic. We need just enough toys to spark imagination, but not so many that they cause overwhelm.
In our wardrobe: It is the art of the "Capsule Wardrobe." We don't need 20 cheap jackets; we need one good shell and one good wool sweater. (This is the Lagom approach to dressing for the weather).
Lagom reminds us that we don't need to be "Super parent." We just need to be a Lagom parent. Balanced. Present. Enough.
The Weekly Challenge
The "One Thing" Audit This week, bring Lagom into your home by removing the excess. Look at your family calendar or your living room floor. Find one thing that feels like "too much."
Is it that extra after-school class that makes everyone rush? Cancel it.
Is it the bin of broken crayons? Toss it.
Is it the pressure to cook a gourmet dinner? Make toast.
Ask yourself: What does "enough" look like for us today?
A Quiet Invitation
To live in closer rhythm with the season, explore our current Seasonal PlayBook.
A collection of low-prep, sensory-rich invitations to play; created to help you pause, connect, and gently inhabit the days, whatever the weather holds.
