I recently read an article on Oprah.com entitled, The One Thing Every Parent Wants. The article mentions a research study conducted in 67 countries where parents from diverse cultures, faiths and income levels were interviewed about what they most wished for their children.
The number one answer, happiness. Additionally, Oprah herself asked parents participating in her Be Happy E-Course what they wish for their children and found that 100 percent of parents chose happiness over wealth; 95 percent chose happiness over academic excellence; 95 percent chose happiness over fame, and 90 percent chose happiness over success.
I present this question to you because studies show a correlation between a child's level of happiness and their academic success. An article posted from the Harvard Graduate School Of Education found that from elementary school to high school, happiness is positively correlated with motivation and academic achievement.
Most interesting to me was the research showing school happiness is positively associated with intrinsic motivation (a personal drive to learn) for all students, yet extrinsic motivation (outside sources like rewards, praise, or avoiding punishment) was specific to students in grades K–3.
So what can we do to ensure our children are happy? According to Edward Hallowell, psychiatrist, and author of The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness, we must help children develop a set of inner tools they can rely on throughout life. The following are my suggestions when it comes to developing that inner set of tools.