As Mums, it usually falls on us to keep a happy family. On top of all of the other things that Mums are responsible for, we thought we would make your life easier by sharing with you 10 things that makes for a happy family.
1. Create traditions
Unique family traditions give your family an identity and a sense of belonging.
2. Respect
Each member of the family needs to have a voice and being heard respectfully – regardless of age.
3. Empower your children
Make them feel like they have choices and options and a say in their own life.
4. Have a routine
Through tough family times, routine is the glue that holds a family together. Although it can feel mind-numbingly repetitive and boring, everyone knows what is happening when and free time is valued more highly.
5. Eating at the table
A recent wave of research shows that children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to drink, smoke, do drugs, get pregnant, commit suicide, or develop eating disorders. Additional research found that children who enjoy family meals have larger vocabularies, better manners, healthier diets, and higher self-esteem. The most comprehensive survey done on this topic; a University of Michigan report, discovered that the amount of time children spent eating meals at home was the single biggest predictor of better academic achievement and fewer behavioral problems. Mealtime was more influential than time spent in school, studying, attending religious services, or playing sports.
6. Phone etiquette
This was discussed in further details in a previous blog.
7. 1:1 time
Each child should spend some quality one on one time with each parent.
8. Family activities
Activities like games nights, bonfires, a day at the beach or something that everyone can enjoy together regardless of age.
9. Set boundaries
Families that set strict, clear expectations for their children are happier, according to Scott Haltzman, MD, author of The Secrets of Happy Families. “Kids may tell you they want to be free, but the idea is actually frightening to them,” he says. Make sure your children know and understand family rules.
10. Grandparents
Children who spend time with their grandparents are more social, do better in school and show more empathy for others. Countless studies have shown the extraordinary benefits grandmothers have on contemporary families. A meta-analysis of sixty-six studies completed in 1992 found that mothers who have more support from grandmothers have less stress and more well-adjusted children.
Leonie Moss is mum to two lovely teenage girls. She loves to illustrate, write and be creative in her home in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Leonie has 4 cats and aspires to one day become a crazy cat lady.