Happiness can vary depending on our personal circumstances. But why are some families more resilient and happier despite the obstacles life throws their way?
They hang out together. Happy families feel a strong sense of connection with each other. According to child family therapist Jennifer Jackson-Rice, LSCSW/LSCW, real connection takes as little as five minutes a day.
Sit next to each other during homework time, cook together, read books at bedtime, and chat with each other while driving to activities.
Create calmer, more cheerful mornings by prepping the night before or getting yourself up a little earlier.
“That connection in the first part of the day can carry kids throughout the day,” Jackson-Rice says.
Michelle Hon, a mom of two boys, ages 4 and 2, agrees. She says that the first 30 minutes in the morning and the last 30 minutes before bedtime help her family feel grounded, calm and loved.
“We do a lot of snuggles and cuddles in the morning, and we try not to make that a rushed time in our home,” Hon says.
In the evening, she and her husband Michael stick to a bedtime routine with their sons, which includes reading books together and quietly reflecting on the day.
They cheer for each other. Celebrate your kids’ interests and successes by acknowledging their efforts rather than zeroing in on what went wrong:
• “I loved watching you play.”
• “I like how you colored this so neatly!”
• “Great job on your test. I can tell you really concentrated.”
“When we praise our children, self-esteem goes up. When self-esteem is high, the connection is good, behaviors are good,” Jackson-Rice says.
Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Flagler Parent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Flagler Parent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Understanding Your Kids' Learning Styles
As your kids head back to school after the winter break, one of your top priorities, as a parent, is to help them with their homework.
Tips For Beating Test Anxiety
Study strategies and coping skills transform attitudes
Legally Speaking: Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document delegating authority from one person to another.
WADSWORTH ELEMENTARY
CHARTING A NEW PATH WITH FLAGSHIP PROGRAM ‘STREAM’
ASK THE Doctor
Introducing our new monthly feature, Ask the Doctor. Our healthcare partners will be answering your questions.
Why Family Dinners Matter: The Science Of Eating Together
Most families find it difficult to get everyone together at the dinner table on a regular basis.
Do's & Don'ts – Of Giving Your Kids an Allowance
You can teach your kids important money management skills by giving them a regular allowance.
Ask the Doctor
Introducing our new monthly feature, Ask the Doctor. Our healthcare partners will be answering your questions.
TIPS FOR HELPING KIDS FALL & STAY — ASLEEP
Oddly, most of our understanding of sleep comes not from knowing what happens when we sleep but from noticing what happens when we don’t.
Legally Speaking: Wills
From the Florida Bar Pamphlet: Do You Have a Will?
