What makes children happy may surprise many of us. And you don’t have to be a child expert to understand these simple things.
Happiness isn’t something like a wrapped present you give to your children when they are upset. Having good health, lots of sleep, stimulating daily activities and loving our children unconditionally are some of the most effective ways to make them happy. Letting your child indulge in his/her own interests is also another key to happiness.
“Play creates joy, but play is also how your child will develop skills that are essential to future happiness. Play is building with the use of blocks, mixing potions out of kitchen ingredients, painting, playing with mud, tagging, doing cartwheels, playing ball and more! Let your child be a child. Play doesn’t mean music class, organized sports or any structured activities. Happiness is letting your child create, daydream and invent” (partly taken from the book, Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness)
Your child, aged 6 months and above, usually masters actions by showing when something upsets him or makes him happy. Smile when your baby smiles and don’t be too surprised if your little one soon enough imitates your actions.
I also would have to agree that it is good to let your child cry a little just as long as you give positive affection and attention. Unhappiness (and children need to know that) will come their way later in their life, so this allows children to cope better and also gives them a chance to figure things out on their own.
Overall, happiness isn’t constantly showering your child with items you bought to make up for the lost time, but the love and affection you give is what’s most important. Connect with your baby, play and talk to your baby. Having fun together and creating a wonderful relationship is the best step to guarantee a happier child. It’s every parent’s goal!
Other tips to Raise A Happy Child:
1.Always show your child that you are excited to see him/her and that he/she is more important than work or other personal activities.
2.Let your child know that it is alright to be bored. Out of boredom comes creativity.
3.Talk to your child and let him/her make a few rules (with parents’ approval).
4.Have a model appropriate behaviour, most especially towards relatives and friends.
5.Teach him/her how to say “please”, “thank you” and “sorry”. Well-mannered and down-to-earth children have a far better time in life and this makes them happier, too.
Helpful Resources:
www.babycentre.com
www.zenhabits.net