Thinking About Happiness

Happy Kids Eat

• Eating at regular intervals refuels growing brains and bodies.
• When kids are calm & satisfied, they experience greater happiness.

Happy Kids Sleep

• Kids need to learn how to sleep.
• When kids are well-rested and ready to embrace the day, they are happier.
• Make sleep and a consistent bedtime a priority.

Happy Kids Play

• Unstructured play helps kids figure out how to solve problems.
• Playing without instructions develops creativity.

Happy Kids Express Emotions

• Expressing what they feel helps avoid internalizing negative emotions.
• Permit them to interpret their feelings and work stuff out.

Happy Kids Make Choices

• Allow them some control over their lives.
• Give them the opportunity to make some decisions.

Happy Kids Feel Heard

• When kids feel like their parents truly listen to them, they feel more connected.
• Listen respectfully when your children speak.
• Encourage them to be open and honest with you.

They Experience Unconditional Love

• Childhood is largely trial and error.
• Let them take healthy risks.
• Forgive them and love them anyway.
• Love them no matter what.
• When kids know their parents will be there for them, for better or for worse, they are happy.

developed from 7 Secrets of Highly Happy Children by Katie Hurley