The happiness of our children is the greatest goal we have as parents. Sometimes we believe that happiness is in great things, but the truth is that it is built on small customs that we acquire in our day to day life.
We have made a list of those things that we should instill in our children to help them develop a sense of responsibility, creativity, autonomy and promote values such as empathy, solidarity and friendship. In short, the good habits that make children happy , and make them fuller people.
Free play (at least) one hour a day
Children need to play freely, without rules, without being guided by adults. Free and spontaneous play arising from the child’s own curiosity and initiative. A game without limits or guidelines to learn and grow happily.
(At least) 10 minutes of dancing a day
The dance is entertaining, pleasant, it releases tension, it makes you feel good, it makes you more flexible … And if dad and mom and siblings join in the dance, there can be nothing more fun. There are good reasons to dance with the children.
Play with mom and dad (at least) an hour a day
Playing is the “work of the little ones”. It is necessary for their healthy development and learning, but also doing it with mom and dad favors the affective bond, father-mother-son communication and most importantly … we all enjoy a lot together!
Cook together (at least) once a week
Among other things, cooking helps develop creativity, manual dexterity, and of course, a taste for flavors and different foods, something that also affects the health of children. Enjoying cooking from a young age is one of the most beautiful things they can learn. And if it is together, as a family, the better.
Make crafts and draw
Crafts and drawing are essential in early childhood. They are their way of expression, through these activities children give free rein to their imagination without fear or prejudice. The more we encourage and facilitate them, the better.
Do physical activity every day
Exercise is essential in childhood, a healthy habit that they must adopt since they are children to lead a healthy and happy life. I have no doubt that exercise and happiness are closely linked.
Play with friends every day
Play is essential for the little ones, as is sharing it with friends. Through play, children make good friends, socialize, learn to share, and very important values such as solidarity or empathy.
Practice an activity that you are passionate about
Soccer, dancing, basketball, skating, playing an instrument, whatever … whatever activity you like. It should not be imposed, but that the child really enjoy it and practice it frequently.
Always have a book on hand to read
Reading is a bridge to happiness, without a doubt. From a young age they will discover that always having a book in their hands is wonderful, and it will make them happy. Let them choose what and when to read.
Watch movies frequently
The cinema also opens wide the doors to the wonderful world of the imagination. Enjoying good movies will make you entertain but above all, cultivate your spirit.
Read a story with mom or dad before going to sleep
Beyond the benefits of reading, bedtime story time is a very special time of day. It is a very beautiful experience, as well as being enriching for them, both from an emotional point of view and for their vocabulary and language acquisition.
Be kind to the people around you and your colleagues
They still do not know to what extent kindness can help them to be happy, but it is good that they start practicing it. Treat well so that they treat you well.
Walk hand in hand with your siblings
Strengthening a good relationship between siblings in childhood is the best basis for the future. The bonds of brotherhood that are created as children last forever, even as they grow older. Help him to love his brothers.
Enjoy nature, love animals
Nature and animals are a gift. Finding yourself in harmony as part of it, observing it and discovering it with amazement contributes to the happiness of the little ones. For its part, sharing life with a pet makes children more sociable, empathetic and happy, I have no doubt.
Help at home with what they can
According to their stage of development, they can assume small responsibilities at home such as matching socks, putting on or lifting the table, arranging clothes, taking out the garbage … Fostering their autonomy is more than positive for the development of their personality.
Sharing the table as a family
Both from the emotional and health point of view, sharing the table as a family is something that a child should not stop doing. It is a moment of encounter in which the whole family communicates, tells how the day has gone, what worries them … Everyone feels listened to, in addition to the proven nutritional benefits it has.
Help those most in need
Giving to others, giving to others, helping those who need it most, makes them stronger. Solidarity is a value that children have very close to their skin, and they should not lose.
Spending time with grandparents
Grandparents are a very important figure for children, one of the most significant people in their lives due to the care, pampering, values and teachings they transmit. Children who grow up with their grandparents are happier.
Less technology and more open air
Today’s children are too hooked on technology, as are adults too. If they disconnected a bit from the screens and lived more outdoors, they would become more active and healthy children.
Always smile
If something characterizes children, it is that innocent and sincere smile that conquers us so much. Unfortunately, as we get older we smile a lot less. It should be mandatory to smile a hundred times a day, at least.
Travel as a family
One of the most beautiful experiences for a child is traveling as a family (and of course, for parents too). Discovering new destinations, customs and people from different places together is enriching wherever you look at it.
In Babies and more | More than teaching her to seek success, I want to raise my daughter to be happy
