How to Raise Happy Children

We all want to have happy and healthy children that grow up to be emotionally balanced adults. But how can we ensure we raise happy children? Here are some tips

The biggest fear of any parent is that they will “mess up”. There’s no 101 guide to parenting and each family is different. But there are small things that you can do that will have a large impact on the way your children feel. Here are a few guidelines for raising happy kids:

Make Your Kids Laugh

Joking, playing games and playing make-believe with your children will ensure they grow up happier. It also improves their creative thinking, social skills and allows them to better handle stress when they grow up. The simple act of laughter is such good therapy for any human being and is something that you should encourage your children to do often.

No One Is Perfect

Despite your best intentions, families aren’t perfect. Take a deep breath and stop stressing over the small stuff. If you’re worrying about what others are saying about your parenting, you ultimately have little confidence in your parenting skills. In 2011 the journal of Personality and Individual Differences published a study that confirmed that parents who ignore societal pressures tend to be more relaxed parents. So chill, and get on with your job as a parent.

Be Positive

It might be a cliché, but it’s the truth. Happier parents lead to happier children. When you’re feeling negative you tend to lash out unnecessarily and small children mirror this behavior. Aggressive preschoolers are usually picking up on the aggression of their parents even if you aren’t taking it out on them. When you’re depressed this also negatively affects your parenting skills. Want happier children? Focus on being a happier you.

Focus On Your Marriage

Make sure you spend time focusing on your marriage or relationship outside of raising the children. Take regular date nights and don’t neglect each other. A 2011 research paper in the journal of Child Development identified that toddlers growing up in homes where marriages were threatening to divorce tended to have sleep troubles.

Do What Is Right For You And Your Kids

At the end of the day we’re all different. Some children need more support than others while some might need you to be stricter. You know your children and your family. Feel your way and do what works for you and remember there is no right or wrong way to be a parent.