Habits of Happy Families
Being part of a family is like being part of a team. It has to run like a well-oiled machine to keep everyone happy and that is a pretty difficult task. Between all the running around, trying not only to keep your kids happy but your spouse too, you may be wondering if there is an easier way to help make your family function together a bit easier and happier. You may see those families out in public who always seem to have a great time together and wonder what their secret is. How can you ensure that instead of working against one another, you are working with each other? There are families who are happier than others but it would be a false declaration to say that they are always happy. Every family has their own obstacles and own problems. You never really know what happens behind closed doors. But if you are looking to bring more happiness in your family’s lives that you have come to the right place. Here are some proved habits that happy families have:
They are thankful for one another. This is taught at an early age to always say thankful and please. This is also taught by making an effort as a family to help others in need. When a family takes the time to spend an opportunity helping others together, it helps produce gratitude within one another. This also helps members of the family look at the glass half full rather than half empty. Happy families take time to thank each other and express their gratitude for what a member has done for them. This starts out from the top. Parents should show gratitude for one another and for their children. Children will then mimic that behavior.
Embrace the chaos. When you have a family with little ones things can get a bit crazy. To fight against it will be an uphill battle. Yes, the dishes may be dirty and they may always make a huge mess when they eat but if you don’t learn to embrace it now and enjoy it, the unhappiness will grow. Remember that these years together go by so fast. Enjoy the moment. Laugh, make a mess with one another and remember to have fun.
Always communicate. If this means holding weekly meetings, then do it! Not only should these weekly family meetings include updates of what to expect this week but input should be required by every family member. Not only let your children pick the reward when they accomplish a goal but they should also be helping choose the punishment as well. Having everyone’s input in the family meetings will help not only get everyone on the same page but also help them feel invested in the success of the family too. Make it a point to know what is going on in your children’s lives and include them in what is going on in yours too.
Make time for one another. Schedule at least one day a week with each other. Things can get hectic, especially when the children get older so it is important that we make the time. Have a family night and do something fun that everyone can enjoy. Everyone should have an opportunity to plan a family night. Ideas can include going bowling together, learning a new skill with one another such as painting or if you are looking for a way to get out and enjoy the warm weather, break out your Rollors yard game. Do something other than just staying in and watch a movie together. Make it a point to find something that gets you interacting with one another and talking!