The 10 Secrets To Being A Happy Parent

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According to an article by livescience.com, “a happy marriage, secure bank account, and good sleep make for happy moms and dads.”

While I agree with these, I began to think of what helps me enjoy my role as a parent. Here’s what I came up with.

1- Don’t compare

Comparing yourself and your children to others will make you discontent and make your family miserable. Enjoy your family as they are and never mind what others are doing.

2- Be present

Don’t think about next week, next month, or next year. Try to enjoy the moments with your children right now.

3- Have a vision

While living in the present, it’s important to have a vision as to what you want for your children. What is your parenting vision? Be specific… don’t just say, I want my kids to be happy. Decide what values you want to foster and what you would like to encourage. When you have a vision, it’s easier to discern how to handle different situations with your children. If you need help crafting your parenting vision, visit this post HERE (I even have a downloadable resource for you to use).

For instance, if you want giving and compassionate children, then you may want to expose them to charitable causes at a young age.

4- Forgive and ask for forgiveness

When your children mess up, forgive them (and let them know you forgive them). When you mess up, make sure to admit your errors and ask them for forgiveness. Parenting with guilt only leads to misery. Speaking of guilt, my next piece of advice….

5- Every day is a new day

I love Anne of Green Gables. I have watched the television movies more times than I could list off. One thing that stuck with me from the movie is when Anne discovered this advice:

“Every day is a new day with no mistakes in it.”

Amen! We parents tend to lug around a suitcase of errors and wear chains of guilt around our necks.

Let. It. Go.

Treat each day as a new day and a fresh start. Do this for yourself and for your children.

(A side note, I’m not talking Idina Menzel’s Let It Go… I’m speaking Luba’s Let It Go — because I’m an 80’s girl).

6- Ask for help

When you’re in over your head and you don’t know what to do or how to handle things… ask for help. You’re not alone! Chances are hundreds of thousands of parents have felt what you’re feeling or have gone through something similar. Reach out and ask for help.

7- Let your children be themselves

Do not expect miniature, better, versions of yourself. Your children are individuals. Enjoy their uniqueness and celebrate their differences.

8- Play

I can’t tell you how much joy one can derive from play. If you feel like you don’t know how to play, then check out this article which I wrote a few years ago. It gives lots of pointers on how to play with your child.

9- Take care of yourself

Don’t get lost in caring for your children and neglect yourself. You need to take care of yourself. I make sure that I take care of myself spiritually, physically, and mentally. Prayer, exercise, eating well, resting well, and thinking positively make a huge impact on my happiness, which in turn, makes me a happier parent.

Are you struggling to come up with ways to de-stress? These 30 relaxation ideas for busy parents might be a good place to start.

10- Have a sense of humour

If you put a comedic spin on everything, you’ll be happier! Seek laughter and enjoy the funny things your kids do.

What would you say contributes to being a happy parent?