Parents rejoice when their children’s development proceeds smoothly, at home, school and elsewhere. The best nurturing occurs in the flow of daily life, and involves active and ongoing listening, observing, and encouragement. However, there’s no one script or framework that will shield kids from all the difficulties in life. There’s no magic potion or sure-fire prescriptive formula that can guarantee children will be happy. Happiness can be elusive. It may require effort, patience, and resilience. Perhaps Aristotle had it right when he wrote, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”
Fortunately, there are many constructive ways to nurture kids’ happiness and put a positive spin on life—within the family and elsewhere—including in relation to challenges, uncertainties, social relationships, and even disappointments. For example, help (such as support or guidance from others), an optimistic outlook, sensible pacing, and self-care are all important.
Happiness is a state of being, and also a state of mind. The brain is like a control centre for feelings, thoughts, actions, and communication. When we focus on the good aspects of life—for instance, by appreciating day-to-day pleasures, using our inner strengths, showing adaptability, and fueling kindness, motivation, and curiosity—then we can link these experiences, extend them, and enjoy greater contentment.
STRATEGIES FOR FAMILIES
A vital way to nurture those experiential links (to then extend and enjoy) is to encourage a collaborative spirit. Join forces with individuals and groups from different schools, cultures, networks, and beyond. A sense of community and the fun of co-creating with others can be very gratifying.
Another approach to fortify happiness and well-being is to engage in meaningful activities. For example, participate in a broad range of learning opportunities, whether crafts, musical expression, technological pursuits, or sports. But don’t forget to make time for rest, reflection, and relaxation, which are integral for recharging energy and igniting creativity.
Thirdly, use humor. It provides a gateway to fresh perspectives—a vibrant channel for looking differently upon matters, finding the bright side, and overcoming difficult moments or maladies. Laughter is key.
A BIT ABOUT LAUGHTER
“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”
~ e.e. cummings
Laughter is a means to communicate, buoy the spirit, and share joy. It’s an outlet for emotions, and it can help people cope with stressful situations. Laughter can empower, enliven, and even change the mood of an entire room full of people. Laughter is a funny thing… (For me, it’s kind of like a mini-holiday—I imagine bright sunshine, flowers, and bubbles.)
As with playful times and celebrations, laughter can be impactful—sometimes reducing, eliminating or masking worries when people are striving to gain composure and resolve matters. Sharing a joke or a funny story can help initiate social interactions, ease transitions, bring confidence, and facilitate a happy vibe. Moreover, maintaining a sense of humor, and learning to laugh at oneself can have a stabilizing effect while navigating life’s many ups and downs. William Arthur Ward wrote, “A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.”
LAST WORDS
Help children appreciate that happiness is contingent upon many factors. People can control some aspects of life, but not all of them, and certainly not 24/7. Safeguard and build upon joys, synergies, positive experiences, and opportunities to learn and grow. Adults can demonstrate this, and teach children how to cultivate happiness—during times of shared laughter, and family togetherness!
AUTHOR’S NOTE – I invite you to visit my BLOG page, and to check out the many pieces there, including Finding the Right Educational Fit for Your Child.
