A happy family is a happy home. Luckily, keeping children happy isn’t difficult because we have three of them. And they are a happy bunch. My lot are happy to stay home and play most days. They have each other to keep themselves entertained but they especially love it when they are invited to help in the kitchen making cookies. They even love to help with the laundry as long as they are getting undivided attention!
A trip to the park is sure to put a smile on their faces and if we stop for ice cream on the way home, it just might be the perfect day. Movies with popcorn are a special treat to be enjoyed as a family on the weekends. There are lots of things that make my little ones happy but time spent together is most important. We make an effort to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins on a regular basis. I always love how at the end of the day when I ask “What was your favorite part about today?” and they reply “Playing with my cousins!” I’ll admit, sometimes their reply is “The candy we had for snack!” Hey, kids will be kids!
Pleasing the kids and keeping them happy is the easy part. To have a happy family though, Mom & Dad have to be happy too, right? This can be a little tougher. Being a parent is hard work and while we’d never ask for anything different, sometimes we need a little break to refresh. For my husband that means a once a week bowling league, an occasional night out with the guys (or a weekend in Vegas- lucky duck!) For me it means a pedicure with my mom, coffee with a friend or even some kid-free time to focus on housework without a million distractions. I get more accomplished this way and my husband is happier when the clutter is gone. I’m happier when I’m more organized too.
All of these are simple things yet it still feels like they must be scheduled in or they just get overrun with other stuff. Making sure to make time for the important things goes a long way in keeping the whole family happy. Little things like texting my husband that we miss him while he is it work or dancing silly in the kitchen with my kids while making lunch puts a little love and laughter into the day.
The Hubs and I are getting away next weekend for our Anniversary. It will be the first time leaving all three of my kids which is something I have a really hard time with but I’m looking forward to it and I know it will be really good for my husband and myself to have that alone time together. I’m sure we’ll come back happy and refreshed!
How do you keep your family happy? We’d love to hear any fun ideas you might have!
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Farm Rich blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.