What makes kids happy?
For most parents, this is an all-consuming question as we fight to create a good life for our kids and make sure they have the tools they need for a good life. We know that "stuff" doesn't make them happy, inasmuch as the sellers of "stuff" would like us to think it does. So what does? Knowing the family has a lot of money? Having a nice house? Having an intact nuclear traditional family? Nope. It's this: it's having an inner set of beliefs that guide them through life. It's being internally grounded and knowing they have choices in life.
Heavy stuff for kids? Not exactly. 315 children age 9 to 12 in public and private schools were questioned about their happiness, rating the importance of statements like, "I believe a higher power watches over me." And in addition to engagement in sports and recreational activities and having a generally sunny temperament, the thing that came up most conclusively with kids who were happier is that they had a strong sense of spirituality.
Kind of like having their own personal Good Dog Carl.
Photo: gooddogcarl.com
