Seven Secrets of Happy Families
Have you ever wondered what it would be like
to have one of those picture perfect TV families?

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There's a magical moment when you see your baby's first smile or watch them take their first step - those moments stay with you forever - then life comes crashing in and the demands of work and the the sheer stress of everyday living begin to chip away at these moments and they become fewer and fewer.

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You find yourself trying to plug the holes in the dam, desperately searching for time, precious time to share and rediscover those magical moments.  But life sometimes is like a powerful flood pounding at the walls of the dam, punching holes in your best laid plans, demanding your attention.  First, one finger.  Then, another.  And soon, you find yourself out of fingers and toes.  And the flood's still coming ...

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The reality is that those magical moments don't take a lot of time.  What they really take is a few stolen moments here and there.

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According to a comprehensive study conducted by the National Family Strengths Research Project at the University of Alabama on what makes families happy, one does not have to move mountains to find happiness, but rather make small adjustments.

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Create a Strong Spiritual Foundation:  "Play" is a child's prayer.  A short walk through the woods can be very spiritual, if you and your child notice all the remarkable details of God's creation.

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Touch can be very powerful:  The human need for touch is well-documented.  And it doesn't take much.  A pat on the back for a job well done, a caress on the cheek to show you care.

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A clear focus on what's good about your family:  Research shows that families who appreciate the positive aspects of their lives tend to be happier.

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Laughter is still the best medicine:  By using a certain tone of voice or making a funny face, you can enforce the rules without entering into a power struggle with your child.

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Take time off without the kids:  Our kids need us, but they need all of us, not just the "used up" part.  That's why, happy parents cash in on the rejuvenating remedy of regular private time without the kids.

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Knock down the walls between work and home:  Get your child involved.  Ask their advice about some tough project you're tackling at work.  Explain to them how you fill out a form or write a memo.  If you open up to your child, then they'll feel more comfortable opening up to you.

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Just have fun:  Instead of living in constant fear that something is going to get broken, rearrange the house so that there is a space where kids can be kids.  Look for ways to have fun with your kids.

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Join Us Backstage With Our Featured Members  >* 

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You Might Also Like:

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Timeless Secrets of Loving Relationships  >

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Loving the Skin You're In  >

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The Magic of Music  > 

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