RAISING KIDS

How to Raise Happy Kids for Success in Life

By 
Amy Morin, LCSW 
Updated on April 30, 2021
 Medically reviewed by 
Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP
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Giving your kids happy, healthy childhoods could set them up for success in
life. But many parents wonder, how exactly do you raise happy kids in
today’s world? Raising happy kids isn’t about giving them momentary
pleasure or immediate gratification. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Happy kids have a skill set that allows them to enjoy long-term happiness in
life. They’re able to pass up instant gratification in an effort to reach their
goals. You can help your kids develop those skills by adopting healthy,
lifelong habits. Here are 10 ways to raise happy kids.

Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell

1

Encourage Outdoor Play

Don’t underestimate the power of outdoor play. Running on the grass,
climbing trees, sitting on a swing, and digging in the dirt is good for kids.

Studies show scents associated with nature, like pine trees, cut grass, and
lavender can boost your child’s mood.1 So you might encourage your child to
read a book outside or do their homework on the porch just to give him an
instant boost in happiness.

Outdoor play can also improve social skills in children. A 2017

study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that
children who increased their time playing outside increased their empathy,
engagement, and self-control—which are critical social skills.2