Education Articles & More

Some of the most irritating things our kids do (whining and tattling come to mind) are nothing more than bad habits, and as we all know, bad habits are tough to break! Science has shown that people who are successful in making changes do it in 5 very specific stages.

Happiness on Auto-Pilot
Why rewards are rewarding
The stages of change
Lapse & Relapse

As we emerge from a season of gluttony and consumption, let's refocus our kids on the things that really do create happiness.

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Video: Materialism v. Altruism
How Do You Really Feel About the Holidays?
Happiness is being socially connected

Conflict is entirely necessary for intellectual, emotional, and even moral growth. However, kids don't know how to settle disputes constructively until we teach them.

Conflict: It's a Good Thing
10 Steps to peace in your household
Marital Fighting Posting
TV Clip: How to Fight with Your Co-parent

Unforgiving people tend to be hateful, angry, and hostile—which also makes

them anxious, depressed, and neurotic. So unless we are okay with our children embodying those qualities, we need to teach them how and why to forgive others.

Forgive… And Feel Happier

Even if you are crazy busy, eating together is important for kids' success and happiness. Mealtime can be a routine rich with meaning that combines the basic human needs of emotional nurturance and physical nutrition.

Video: The Value of Family Dinners – Part I
Video: The Value of Family Dinners – Part II
What Kids Learn During Family Meals
Making Mealtime Worth the Effort

Television brings little or no benefits, but it replaces activities that do make kids happier, healthier, and smarter.

Video: Turn Off the Boob Tube
How Much "Screen Time" is Too Much?
Play and Academic Success

Contrary to popular belief, creativity is more skill than inborn talent, and it is a skill parents can help their kids develop. Because it is a key to success in nearly everything we do, creativity is a key component of success and happiness.

7 Ways to Foster Creativity in Your Kids
Play and Academic Success
Video: The Power of "Child's Play

A lot of people incorrectly assume that perfectionism propels kids to the top of their class, their teams, and eventually their fields. But to the contrary, research shows that perfectionism tends to detract from success.

Perfectionism is a Disease
How Parents Can Propel Their Kids Towards Perfectionism
How to Help Undo Your Kids Perfectionism
TV Clip: Letting Go of Being Perfect

Optimism is so closely related to happiness that the two can practically be equated. And guess what? Optimism is a teachable skill.

Raising Optimistic Kids
The Benefits of Optimism

I think this is the most important happiness habit in the history of the universe.

Video: How Not to Raise an Ungrateful Brat
Gratitude is an Attitude
Teaching Gratitude in a Culture of Entitlement

Speaking of gratitude: I am very grateful to have completed my first year as a blogger! Writing this blog is among the most satisfying things I've ever done, and so I'm so thankful to all of you who read and comment and ask questions. I am also eternally grateful to Kelly Corrigan, who helped me launch Half Full in late 2007 (see these videos).

My New Year's Resolutions? One is to do a better job responding to your emails and questions. So send 'em my way!

© 2008 Christine Carter, Ph.D.

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