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7 Secrets to Raising a Happy Child
We all want the same things for our kids. We want them to grow up to love and be loved, to follow their dreams, to find success. Mostly, though, we want them to be happy. But just how much control do we have over our children's happiness? My son, Jake, now 7, has been a rather somber child since birth, while my 5-year-old, Sophie, is perennially sunny. Jake wakes up grumpy. Always has. Sophie, on the other hand, greets every day with a smile. Evident from infancy, their temperaments come, at least in part, from their genes. But that doesn't mean their ultimate happiness is predetermined, assures Bob Murray, PhD, author of Raising an Optimistic Child: A Proven Plan for Depression-Proofing Young Children -- for Life (McGraw-Hill). "There may be a genetic propensity for depression, but our genes are malleable and can be switched on or off depending on the environment," he says. "The research clearly shows that happy, optimistic children are the product of happy, optimistic homes, regardless of genetic makeup." What can you do to create a home where your child's happiness will flourish? Read on for seven strategies that will strengthen your child's capacity to experience joy.
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I am glad to have read this article. Like church, I need to be reminded on a regular basis about the way to praise God, or in this case, how to be a more effective parent.
2/1/2012 09:50:13 PM Report AbuseThankyou for sharing this wonderful article.....
10/25/2011 04:55:21 AM Report AbuseThis definitely one of the best articles I've read. What more could a parent want for their child than lasting happiness? This is also extremely applicable for teachers. Providing a happy learning environment will not only help students develop an optimistic attitude but will also foster a love of learning!
8/24/2011 08:35:36 AM Report AbuseThe section of this article that tells us to praise effort instead of attributes is so beneficial! Our culture is so fixated on beauty, wealth and stature that it's refreshing to focus on someone doing their best no matter what their capacity!
7/24/2011 02:36:49 PM Report Abusethe article's suggestions on what to say need to me more concrete ie give concrete examples of ways to redirect the praise.
3/22/2011 02:12:25 PM Report AbuseMade me a happier parent even just reading it. Look forward to practicing these guidelines.
3/17/2011 02:19:31 PM Report AbuseSo for us single parents who can't be happy with a spouse because we don't have one, what is the advice? Hope the other 6 things work?
1/3/2011 07:34:48 PM Report AbuseOne of the best articles I have read ...
8/30/2010 10:02:28 PM Report AbuseThankyou for this wonderful article in the first place.Really the happiness of a child is so important to be considered for the bright future.
8/10/2010 01:52:59 PM Report Abusemag>>is really easy to tell when my little one is happy or sad.I have learned to identify both and work around that. I love to see her smile and that simply tells me how our day is gonna go.
5/14/2010 09:19:17 AM Report AbuseI found this out as a teacher too. When I was in a bad mood, my students were more poorly behaved. When I was in a good mood, they were too! I need to remember this more as a parent. I knew it in the classroom but forget it at home. It is very true.
2/2/2010 01:12:47 PM Report AbuseIt seems very simplistic, that there's any one way to keep kids happy. They're happy when their parents are happy, and they're sad when we're sad, and age has everything to do with it.
11/25/2009 02:51:48 PM Report Abuse