Raising a happy child, or children is a common goal that is shared by most parents. It is not likely that we have ever made the statement “I wish I could learn how to raise a miserable child.” Hahaha, crazy right? While this is an intentionally silly statement, there is much truth behind the notion that we all desire to live a long, happy, and fulfilled life, and we want to give our children that same experience. This is backed up by the fact that you are here and in the search for ways to provide the best path to a happy and satisfied childhood upbringing for your little ones.
Let’s look into some things that we as parents can explore to help cultivate the very best environment in our homes that will foster the growth of happiness.
Contributing Factors to Raising a Happy Child
Your Own Happiness Depends on it. Believe it or not, your own happiness plays a huge factor in the ongoing happiness development of your child. Their outlook on all things life is directly related to your own outlook as their parent. So wait…, I thought you were going to talk about my child’s happiness, and you’re starting this out by saying that my mental state is related? Yep – you bet ya. So much so that who you spend your personal time with, the conversations you have, and even the amount of laughter in your own life is all CRITICAL to how your child will learn about having happiness in their life; they are learning by your example.
Optimism VS. Pessimism. What kind of mental attitude are you displaying with your words and by your actions towards your child’s achievements? Are you optimistic when it comes to challenges they face, or projects that they choose to take on? Or, is your outlook pessimistic and gloomy to new benchmarks that your child may be seeking to attain? Optimism does not mean that you should be superficial with your child, or that you must have a sunshine and butterflies perspective 24/7. No, we are not saying to be unrealistic, but what we are talking about is maintaining a positive, supportive, and practical outlook on an endeavor that your child may want to take on. If your outlook is negative and downtrodden, that will be a sure-fire way to steal their excitement, and ultimately result in a level of dissatisfaction for them. If happiness is what you are truly trying to provide your child, then you should work toward a consistent and uplifting attitude which reassures your child, even through their failures. This will grow & strengthen their happiness.
Teach Them about Emotional Intelligence. Let’s be clear with this one. We are not saying that you need to sit your 10 year old down and begin to discuss what their level of emotional intelligence is all while breaking down how they can improve their Emo Intel quotient. Have you ever heard of Emotional Intelligence Quotient or better known as EQ?? In its easiest form Emo Intel is your own ability to understand, control and manage your emotions in positive ways. SO when your child begins to get worked up about something, try to walk them through it in a healthy manner. Be sure you reinforce what they are currently doing correctly, and show them how to focus taking small steps through it. DO NOT become intrenched in the results (only), but pay attention and REWARD to their solid efforts. If your child’s happiness is truly an important factor of life for you and your household, then teaching them to manage their emotions, relieve stress and remain balanced in this area of life is extremely important.
Create the Right Environment for Happiness. Take a strong look at your environment to determine as the adult: “Is my home environment set up for happiness?” This includes big things, all the way down to the simplest of details. Example: What kind of TV is being watched in your home? HOW MUCH TV is being watched in your home? How much family time is incorporated in your daily schedules? What kind of activities are present for your child to participate in? What, and how much time is spent on devices in your home? What kind of language is used in your home and life??
We understand that happiness ultimately comes down to the choice of the individual person to be happy – thus this job is not solely up to you. However, to ignore that there are many factors that parents and the environment can contribute to would be imprudent. If you can take steps to helping your child navigate a path that is helpful for their happiness, while including the needed ingredients, then you set your child up for the greatest level of success in this matter.
