In a fast-paced world filled with countless distractions, fostering children’s happiness and emotional wellbeing has never been more important. Whilst this always is a priority for us in school, there are other simple but effective ways that can help nurture students’ happiness outside the school gates. Here are our top five suggestions – we hope they help!

1. Help them to find a meaningful hobby

Hobbies are more than just pastimes; they can be powerful conduits for happiness and personal growth. Introducing children to hobbies that ignite their passion can bring immense joy to their lives. Whether it’s painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, or participating in a sport, a meaningful hobby can create a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It also allows children to express themselves creatively and gain a sense of competence and mastery. Hobbies can also foster a sense of connection with others who share their passions, ultimately leading to a sense of belonging and happiness.

2. Encourage positive friendships and relationships

We all know that positive, supportive friendships play a crucial role in a child’s social development. As parents, we have a strong role to play in guiding children to form healthy relationships by promoting empathy, kindness, and inclusivity. Encouraging open communication and teaching conflict resolution skills equips children to navigate the ups and downs of friendships and family relationships effectively.

Where possible, organise social activities and playdates that facilitate interaction with other children, to help develop your child’s essential social skills and a sense of emotional security through genuine friendships. Spending time with family can also positively influence your child’s social and emotional development. Grandparents and other family members often provide a nurturing, non-judgemental environment, where children feel accepted and loved unconditionally, which helps to contribute to a child’s sense of security; this in turn will help them to build healthy relationships outside the family.

3. Do something for someone else

Selflessness and compassion are powerful pathways to happiness. A random act of kindness can be such a small thing and yet have an enormous impact, from baking a cake for a neighbour, to offering a genuine compliment to brighten someone’s day.

Lead by example by demonstrating acts of kindness in your daily life. Simple gestures like helping a neighbour, donating to charity, or assisting a friend in need show children the beauty of selflessness. As they witness the effect of their actions, they will develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity and the joy of giving back.

4. Promote gratitude

In a world that often emphasises material possessions and achievements, teaching your child to be thankful can have a transformative effect on happiness and wellbeing. As children embrace gratitude, they shift their focus from what they lack to what they have, fostering a positive outlook on life. Grateful children are better equipped to handle challenges, as they develop resilience and the ability to find joy even in difficult circumstances. Expressing gratitude regularly also strengthens family bonds as everyone shares their appreciation for one another.

Encourage them to appreciate the simple joys of life, such as a beautiful sunset, a delicious meal, or spending time with loved ones. Establish a gratitude practice by having them keep a journal, where they write down three things they are thankful for each day. If they like photography, taking pictures of things that make them happy each day can be a visual alternative. Over time, these become a wonderful source of positive memories to look back on.

5. Keep learning

Encourage children to explore new subjects, pursue their interests, and ask questions about the world around them. Reading books, visiting museums, attending workshops, and engaging in educational activities nourish their curious minds and open doors to new possibilities.

Reading for pleasure offers a wide range of benefits: it helps children to explore new ideas and perspectives; it can be a source of inspiration, sharing stories of triumph over adversity, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams, which can inspire us to overcome challenges and strive for our own goals. In addition, when a child is immersed in a good book, they can be transported to a different world, allowing them to temporarily escape from daily life and unwind. This is particularly important as they get older, as the pressures of exams and other commitments increase.

Support their interests (even if they’re not yours!) and encourage them to ask questions, as this nurtures a growth mindset. Celebrate their efforts and achievements, no matter how small, and emphasise that failures are stepping stones to success, encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. As they develop a thirst for knowledge, children gain the confidence to face new experiences and adapt to change, ultimately leading to their own sense of accomplishment and happiness.

To find out more about life at St Mary’s, visit their Whole School Open Morning on 7 Oct, or their Sixth Form Information Evening on 10 Oct.

St Mary’s School, Packhorse Rd, Gerrards Cross SL9 8JQ, Tel: 01753 883370

5 ways to help our children feel happy

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