Two Simple Ways to Be a Happier Parent

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Plain and simple. That's exactly what's wrong with teaching. Maybe you didn't teach the material. It is possible. There is this failed notion that pain builds character. Overcoming pain, hardship, falls... that's what builds character. Telling a child to "get over" meanness, doesn't provide any strategies for overcoming bullies or nastiness.

jarrett3863 of PA 10:52PM November 09, 2010

I agree with you 100%!!!! As a teacher, I see parents coddling their children and not letting anything negative into their lives. So when they fail a test or someone is mean to them, they want to have a long-winded meeting with me. Your kid failed a test; a friend was mean - get over it! Children who are coddled too much become whiny, selfih adults.
Kids should be told NO. Kids should know what it's like to fail so they try harder next time. Both parents and kids expect A's all the time, whether they studied or did their homework or not. So many of my students tell me their parents pay them for 100's - how sick is that?! The joy of getting a 100% after studying hard was enough for me as a kid. Kids today are too spoiled and too coddled.

Cheryln of NY 12:15PM October 24, 2010

As a former teacher, mother, and now a grandmother, may I add my two cents on this issue ? While most of this article is Ok and well-meaning, I take issue that parenting and raising children should always be about 'being happy' Um, no. Children NEED to experience displeasure. They NEED to see parents struggle. They NEED to not always get what they want, when they want it. They NEED to be told when they fail.
I think today's alleged 'bullying epidemic' underlies a much larger issue- a parenting one. Sure, kids will always be mean to each other. But parents today are raising children who are incapable of dealing with negativity. They are not resilient at all- because they've always been catered to in everyday life. They've been told since day one how wonderful they are, how smart they are, how they can do anything and be successful. And when they are bullied at school, they are blindsided. There are unpleasant things in life, and parents are doing their kids no favors when they attempt to insulate them from all possible harm or negativity in life.

Ana of KS 6:57PM October 20, 2010

I'm surprised Mr. Barsh has a site on "how to be happy" as most crooks that I know aren"t really interested in other people's happiness.

Carol of PA 7:22AM September 22, 2010

Wow Nancy, that's wonderful. Thanks for sharing it.
My favorite part: >>would you like to know the one thing that will make children do better in school, help them have fewer emotional problems, and make them less likely to become obese or have drug or alcohol problems? Eat dinner together as a family.<<
Spectacular. ruHap, The Happiness Company (www.ruhap.com) will be using that wonderful advice in our next Blog.
Thanks again, and be Happy!
Gregory S. Barsh, Esq.
Chief Happiness Officer
ruHap, The Happiness Company
www.ruhap.com

Gregory Barsh of PA 2:48PM April 20, 2010

Maybe she's crying because she already realizes that her mother is a retard. What a depressing realization for such a young child.

Elitist Jerk of KY 7:40PM March 15, 2010

My husband and I babysit for two of our 8 Grandsons. One is 4 yrs. old and the other 1. Today, we're going to sit down with them when they have lunch. We're also going to let the 4 yr. old know that when he gets home from pre-school, we're going to ask him to tell us of the three things he most enjoyed from his day.
We're always anxious to learn positive ways of dealing with the children that will benefit them and often us also.

Barbara of MI 8:10AM March 08, 2010

What a great idea and so simple! Bed time is always a special time for me and the kids but I think adding the 3 joyful items of the day will make it that much better.

Samantha S Young of TX 11:24AM March 04, 2010

am gonna try this with immediate effect! my daughter who turned 5years this month has developed this bad habbit of crying all the times, whether meals times, bedtime, while trying to do anything to her.. she gets so sad!! it hurts both of us so much.... we r struggling wit that and hopefully it will get better....

carol 3:24AM March 04, 2010