From preschool onward, happy kids are more likely to perform well in school settings. While there’s no single secret to raising happy children, there are a few factors that can increase their happiness, providing benefits throughout their life. The following are a few tips to consider for raising happier children.

How to Raise Children Who Are Happy

1. Nurture Them

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to love them. Be open, affectionate, attentive, and kind to them. Research has shown that without adequate love and nurturing, children may display changes in the brain that increase the risk of depression, anxiety, learning disorders, and memory issues. 

Prioritize bonding time with your child, and don’t hold back on physical and verbal affection and affirmations. Show them that you love them every chance you get, such as through spending time playing games, taking trips, snuggling them, or just watching their favorite show together. 

2. Give Them Independence

As humans, having a sense of agency—of controlling one’s fate instead of being propelled down a path that’s not wanted or is uncontrollable—is integral to being fulfilled and happy, and this starts as young as preschool. While you shouldn’t just give your child free reign or let them put themselves in harm’s way, you should encourage their independence whenever possible, starting small and scaling up as they age. 

Ways to do this at a young age include encouraging free play, involving them in decisions about their food or clothing, and supporting the interests they display, be it coloring, playing, or music. Try thinking of yourself as someone helping them reach their goals, instead of someone pushing them to reach goals you’ve set for them. Focus on cooperation rather than coercion or forcefulness.

3. Provide Good Role Models

You’ve probably noticed your child copying you before, and it’s because they learn through observation. You, other adults, and their peers will all act as role models and influence their judgment throughout their childhood. With the proper role models, your child will learn skills like emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and responsibility, which are all needed to thrive.

Bear this in mind, and try to act in ways that you want your child to act, such as staying calm when stressed, practicing healthy habits, and prioritizing family and work. You should also vet other adults in their life, such as their preschool or daycare teachers, to ensure they’re positive role models. As they get older, their peers will have more influence on them, so encourage healthy friendships.

To foster happiness early on, choose The Christian Academy Too in St. Louis for your child’s preschool and daycare. Since 2004, they’ve provided a nurturing, positive environment with experienced instructors for children up to age five. Their research-based curriculum balances academics with Christian studies. Explore their classes online, and call (314) 455-4172 to schedule a tour.