by Cindy Abbate

Created on: August 28, 2011

It’s not always talked about when the subject of raising children is brought up in a discussion.  But raising happy children is apt to lead to happy adults who enjoy life and in turn bring joy into the lives of those lucky enough to be around them.

Unfortunately it’s easy enough to for a parent to turn his or her attention to other matters in a world filled with seemingly countless pressures.  If it appears to a parent that the child in their life seems stressed and pressured it may be time to take a step back and look at the situation through fresh eyes. 

The below suggestions are some ways to help give children a sense of inner happiness.

Empowerment

Clearly children cannot be allowed to make all the decisions in their young lives.  But they should be allowed to make choices even if they don’t mirror the wishes of their parents.  While Dick may have been a star basketball player, son Gary may want to spend his afternoons playing piano.  Gary does need exercise but if his heart is in music he should be encouraged to pursue his dream.  So long as their choices are positive, young people should be allowed to label what means happiness to them.

Structure

It’s important for children to feel safe.  Particularly young children need to know that their day will follow a regular routine (at least for the most part) and what will be expected of them.  This takes the stress out of their lives, gives them boundaries and allows them the luxury of enjoying childhood.  It’s up to the parents to worry about establishing house rules and schedules.  While children should be allowed input when they get older it’s still up to the parents to provide them with much needed security.

Healthy Habits

If children are encouraged to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly from early childhood these habits are much more likely to stay with them later in life.  Good habits will make them feel better physically and give them improved mental alertness.  It will help them achieve in school and give them a better self image of themselves.  Happiness is easier to find if they feel physically well.

Self Image

Everyone is special and talented in their own way.  A child needs to feel special and comfortable in their own skin even if peers see them otherwise.  It is not uncommon for a young person to through a period when making friends is difficult and acceptance by peers seems unreachable.  It is often repeated in adulthood.  So it’s important that a child realize that they are a valuable individual with much to contribute to the world.  Rough patches happen to everyone but they are easier to conquer when the individual holds a positive self image.  By letting a child know they are a valuable member of the family, a parent gives them a safe place where they can retreat and regroup.  Happiness is often contagious.  If Amy is happy with herself she’s likely to attract friends even though she may not indulge in the most popular trends.

Giving

Teaching children the power of giving is one of the most valuable things they can learn.  Giving back in some manner can give a child a sense of self worth.  “I helped serve that other kid a meal.  He was happy and it was cool.”  Those are words of a young person who has learned something vital.  Bringing happiness to others also brings happiness to the giver.  It’s an all around good thing.

There’s nothing more difficult, exasperating, rewarding and wonderful as raising a child.  It’s the best feeling to see them smiling from inner happiness.

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