Happiness is one of the primary motives of parenting. But making your kids experience it takes more than buying them toys and ice cream, taking them for picnics, and planning holidays. You need to ensure they are joyful and fulfilled spiritually to give them true happiness. But there are no shortcuts to it, and neither can money do the trick. Most parents fail to decode the simple secret. You have to invest a genuine effort to raise happy kids who grow into emotionally fulfilled adults. Here are some unspoken parenting rules to achieve the goal.
Rule #1- Make yourself happy
You cannot spread joy until you experience it yourself, and the rule also applies to parenting. Making yourself happy is the first step as it shows your children what happiness is easily about. You can get the right start by investing in self-care and self-love. Your children should see you doing things you love and experience the joy it brings. But self-care is seldom on parental checklists. Remember that looking after oneself is not selfish, so go ahead without second thoughts.
Rule #2- Let them experience deprivation
Although you want to give the best to your kids, they will never know real happiness until they experience deprivation. Doing too much is unhealthy because negative emotions like anger, sadness, and failure are a part of human existence. Your children will be in a better place to recognize joy and love if they learn to deal with the negative aspects of life. But you shouldn’t leave them alone during challenging times. Be there and show empathy as they encounter rough situations.
Rule #3- Cultivate the prayer habit
Prayer is the cornerstone of emotional fulfillment, so it should be a part of your child’s routine from an early age. Cultivate the praying habit in the family. Set daily rituals for bedtime and dinnertime. You can inspire them by talking about the rigorous lives of Wyoming Carmelites to cite the value of praying. The more connected your kids feel to God, the happier they become.
Rule #4- Teach them the value of gratitude
Gratitude breeds real happiness. Teaching your kids the value of gratitude should be a part of your parental goals. Ask them to count their blessings and write them in a gratitude journal every day. Taking kids for volunteering activities is a good way to show how lucky they are and why they should be thankful. Lead by example, and practice gratitude yourself in the first place.
Rule #5- Give time, not stuff
Remember that money is not the secret to raising happy kids. Had it been, rich kids would have been the happiest, but it isn’t the truth. As a parent, you must prioritize quality time with your children instead of compensating them with things. Experiencing the joys of life together makes them emotionally fulfilled. Be there at special moments like birthdays, graduations, and sports events at school. Spend weekends together and plan annual family trips. Do not forget the daily conversations.
Raising happy kids requires honest parenting that focuses on teaching kids the most valuable life skills. The best way to do it is by imbibing them yourself first. Following these unspoken parenting rules does the rest.
