Happiness enhances the well-being of a person. It is also a key to a successful life. Most parents would like to see their children happy.
A statistics reported by Mail Online shows that many children in the U.K. are unhappy with their lives. Lili Caproni, the Director of Strategy at the Children's Society said, "The fact that millions of children in the U.K. are not enjoying good childhood should be a wake-up call to adults." So now, looking at this report, how can parents really raise a happy child?
The Live Science shared the following tips for raising a happy child:
1. Be Happy and Positive
Bob Murray, Ph.D. author of Raising an Optimistic Child: A Proven Plan for Depression-Proofing Your Children-for Life (McGraw-Hill) told Parents.com, "The research shows that happy, optimistic children are the product of happy, optimistic homes, regardless of genetic makeup." Parents must nurture happiness first within themselves to make their children happy.
2. Build A Connection
Children develop a stable well-being when they are connected with their families. Edward Hallowell, a child psychiatrist and author of the Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness said, "A connected childhood is a key to happiness." Your children must feel that you love them. Eat, laugh, play and talk with them.
3. Perfection Triggers Stressed
A study that is published in the Journal Personality and Individual Difference shows that new parents, who aim for perfection because society expects them to be, are more stressed and less confident in their parenting skills. Don't overwhelm yourself with pressure. Avoiding being perfect will make you a more relaxed parent and so as your children.
4. Laugh With Your Children
According to research that is introduced at the Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Science 2011, parents who joke with their toddlers can enhance their social skills. This can make your kids think creatively, manage stress and make friends easily.
To sum it up, spending quality time with your children commences it all. You have to learn to be "kids" again and enjoy their childhood. After all, these precious moments are indeed priceless. Happy kids need happy parents.
