Many parents worry whether or not their child is happy. Of course, some may think that showering children with toys, outings and expensive gifts is the answer, but that’s actually not true. In fact, research has shown that spoiled children are more likely to grow up into unhappy teens.
The keys to happiness, with children and grownups alike, don’t come from outside – they come from inside. That means that you can give your child the tools to be happy without spending a cent/penny.
The first thing you need to do is learn to identify whether your child is happy or not. Toddlers tend to make their emotions known immediately – it’s easy to spot whether they’re happy or sad, simply by their smile or their tears. Older children, however, are better at hiding their emotions. If you notice that your child is withdrawn or quiet, not eating well, and showing no interest in playing, then your child is probably not happy, even if he doesn’t say anything.
Anger is another cue to sadness that most parents miss. If your preschooler is angry often, and for no clear reason, then it’s likely that he or she is really feeling sad.
The best way to ensure that your child is happy is to first make sure that his or her basic needs, for food, shelter, sleep and care are taken care of. Then, make sure that your child is getting enough attention, and quality time from you and your partner, and that he or she has adequate interaction with other children.
