Laughing kids, happy kids, peaceful kids. Isn't that what we all want for our children? Keeping them that way can be easier than you think.

Youthful happiness doesn't have to be wasted on the young. Your kids learn how to be happy by watching you. You've been their role model since the day they were born. The happier you are, the happier they'll be.

Mom's and Dad's who laugh a lot raise laughing kids. Simple as that. Kids need to see parents (and their granparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, parent's friends, and other influential adults in their lives):

~ laughing at their own mistakes

~ laughing at themselves

~ laughing at their own vulnerabilities

~ having fun with each other

~ not taking themselves too seriously

~ having fun and playing lots, both with kids and without

~ giving lots of hugs and high-five's

~ setting up clear expectations and boundaries for them

~ being filled with awe, wonder, surprise and astonishment.

~ being impressed by others

~ praising others

~ encouraging others

~ being open and honest about their feelings

~ openly talking about their hopes and dreams

~ graciously accepting compliments and kudos

~ laughing WITH others, not AT them

~ apologizing when they've hurt someone

~ finding humor in things other than sarcasm

~ appropriately expressing their anger and frustration

~ appropriately expressing their sadness and fear

~ finding balance

~ having hobbies

~ enjoying life!

What Do You Want To Teach Your Kids?

Think about what you want your kids to learn from you. Then try to do more of THOSE things!

Do you want them to be happy or be angry?

Do you want them to laugh with others or at others?

Do you want them to get along with others or always be right?

Do you want them to assert themselves or belittle others?

Do you want them to love openly or rigidly?

Do you want them to accept others or judge others?

Do you want them to be strong or intimidating?

Do you want them to be empowered or powerful?

Do you want them to be curious or fearful?

Do you want them to be a problem solver or reliant on others?

Have Fun With Life!

The more you squeeze out of every juicy little drop of life the more your kids will learn to do the same.

Most of all, let your kids be kids. And don't you ever stop being a kid yourself!

Let them make their own mistakes. Let them pick themselves up and dust themselves off. Let them be the incredible, resilient, strong, smart, and wonderful little creatures that they were born to be!

You may find yourself shocked at just how capable they are all on their own!