10 Ways to Raise a Happier Kid

We all want our kids to grow up happy, right? There are simple things we can do each and every day to ensure just that.

Here are 10 ways to raise a happier kid:

1. Point out their Strengths by Complimenting them: Always make sure to compliment them on the things they’re good at. Compliment them and let them know how much you admire them for that strength.
2. Let them Express their Feelings Openly: Let your child express their feelings regardless of if it’s frustration, happiness or some other feeling. This will reinforce the fact that you’re there for them and are there to listen to them and offer advice when needed.
3. Avoid too much Screen Time: Encourage your child to enjoy the outdoors. This is pretty easy if you’re willing to be out there with them or if they have other kids their age nearby. By limiting their screen time, they are more likely to be more active. My husband and I both grew up outdoors, so it’s important for our children to also be outside as much as possible.
4. Encourage their Friendships with other Great Kids: Encourage play-dates with other good kids. This reinforces good behavior and helps minimize the amount of facetime they could possibly have with kids that might not be the greatest influence on them.
5. Teach them how to Pay Attention to Other’s Feelings: By teaching them how to understand other’s feelings, it’ll teach your child how to better communicate with them and possibly help them.
6. Truly Listen to them when they’re Talking: We’re all guilty of it: Your child comes home from school and is so excited to tell you all about their day, but you’re still responding to work emails. This will make them feel  unimportant and over time they might be less likely to open up to you about things.
7. Eat Dinner as a Family: Eating dinner as a family is a great time to have a conversation, discuss each other’s day and just spend time together. Sometimes it can be hard, but try to make it a point to do so.
8. Have a Movie Night once a Week where they Pick the Movie or Have a fun Family outing: Try to have a movie night once a week where your child gets to pick it out. If you want to go out and do something, you can skip the movie night and hit the local miniature golf course. Just make sure you’re spending time together.
9. Let Your Happiness Show: If you’re happy and you know it, share it! If your kid sees your happiness, it’s much easier for them to express their happiness.
10. Reward them for Good Behavior or Grades: If your child is doing something great, try rewarding them every once in a while. If they’re maintaining good grades, take them out for their favorite ice cream. Whatever it might be, let them know you’ve noticed. This will reinforce the good behavior and let them know you’re paying attention.

If you practice these 10 tips, your child is more likely to be happy. There is enough negativity in the world, so lets try our best to make the world a bit brighter for our kiddos by showing them happiness.