


 7 Secrets of Highly Happy Kids:
1.  They eat on time.
7 Secrets of Highly Happy Kids:
1.  They eat on time.
I know what you're thinking; that's too simple to be a real parenting 
strategy. Think again.  Have you ever been so hungry that you just 
wanted to scream? That's how kids feel when they miss a snack or have to
 wait two hours past their normal mealtime to participate in some 
super-fancy family dinner.
Eating at regular intervals refuels their growing brains and bodies 
and keeps hunger under control. When kids are calm and satisfied, they 
experience greater happiness.
2.  They get consistent sleep.
I know, I know, some kids are better sleepers than others. While that's 
certainly the truth, it isn't an excuse for poor sleep habits. Kids need
 to learn how to sleep. It's up to us to teach them.  When they are 
completely exhausted, they are cranky. When they are well-rested and 
ready to embrace the day, they are happier. Make sleep (and 
a consistent bedtime) a priority.
3.  They play without instructions.
Unstructured playtime appears to be a lost art these days. It used to be
 that kids made their own fun. Today, kids are over-scheduled, dialed in
 and in awe of toys that essentially do the playing for them. Sure, 
those garbage trucks with all of the bells and whistles are neat, but be
 sure to mix in some wooden trucks and building blocks. And, please, 
take a look at the busy schedule and find some time where your kids can 
just play each day. Play is good for the soul.  
4.  They are allowed to express emotions.
Kids yell when they're mad. They cry when they're sad. They might even 
stomp their feet and run around in circles when they're not sure what to
 feel. And sometimes, if you're really lucky, they do all of that in the
 middle of aisle 9 at your friendly neighborhood Target store. Let them.
 Kids need to express their emotions. While adults know to call a friend
 to vent when the going gets tough, kids are a bit more primitive. 
Shushing them and publicly shaming them doesn't help. Let them vent in 
their own little way and then offer to help. Enduring a public temper 
tantrum might feel overwhelming in the moment, but it's better than a 
lifetime of internalizing negative emotions that could lead to eating 
issues, depression or other emotional problems for your child.
5.  They get to make choices.
Kids have very little control over their lives. They are constantly 
being told where to go, what to do and what to eat. A little bit of 
control goes a long way toward feeling happy. Let your kids choose their
 outfits. Allow them to choose the dinner menu one night per week. Ask 
them what classes they want to take. Give them the opportunity to make 
some decisions and watch them smile in return.
6.  They feel heard.
Kids are intuitive. Even toddlers can tell when parents are tuning them 
out or answering on autopilot. When kids feel like their parents truly 
listen to them (about everything from Lightning McQueen's best race to 
what they learned in school), they feel more connected. This increases 
their self-confidence and increases their overall happiness. Listen when
 your children speak.  It's the best way to build an open and honest 
relationship with your child and it makes your child happy.