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title: 20 Simple Secrets Of Happy Families – All Backed By Science
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# 20 Simple Secrets Of Happy Families – All Backed By Science

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by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


May 6, 2014 4:01 AM UTC

by 

[Eric Barker](https://time.com/author/eric-barker/)


## Eric Barker


May 6, 2014 4:01 AM UTC

## Where You Live Matters

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## Open Communication Is A Must

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## Tell The Family Story

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

(More on the value of telling family stories [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/how-to-have-a-happy-family/).)

## To Communicate Values To Kids, Focus On Closeness, Not Lectures

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## Like It Or Not, You Are A Role Model To Your Children

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## To Be Happy With Your Family, Be Open To Change

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## We Love Those Who Show Love

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## They Need You To Be Positive When Times Are Tough

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## History Beats Apology

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## Try To Be Fair, Not Right

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## The Secret To Work/Life Balance Is A Feeling Of Control

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## Discussing Tough Subjects Pays Dividends Later

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## Happiness Is Determined By What You Think About Most

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

(The things proven to make you happier are [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/08/here-are-the-things-that-are-proven-to-make-y/).)

## Family Rituals Matter

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

(More on how rituals make life better [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/06/francesca-gino/).)

## Kids That Pick Their Activities Enjoy School

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## Separate Your Work And Family Life

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):


## Coping With In-Laws Is Worth It

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## Fido Helps

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

(What your pet says about your personality is [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2012/05/8-things-your-choice-of-pet-says-about-your-p/).)

## Kids Need More Than Just Mom And Dad

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

(Bruce Feiler, author of [The Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089LOHHO/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0089LOHHO&linkCode=as2&tag=spacforrent-20), presents some excellent research on why grandmoms are so important [here](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/how-to-have-a-happy-family/).)

## Anyone Can Have A Happy Family

Via [100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FC1PHK/?tag=spacforrent-20):

## What’s Next?

Here are three other research-backed posts that can help build a great family:

1. [How To Have A Happy Family – 7 Tips Backed By Research](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/how-to-have-a-happy-family/)
2. [Recipe For A Happy Marriage: The 7 Scientific Secrets](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/10/recipe-for-a-happy-marriage-2/)
3. [Good Parenting Skills: 7 Research-Backed Ways to Raise Kids Right](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/11/good-parenting-skills/)

**For more helpful tips, join 45K+ other readers and get my free weekly update via email** [**here**](http://eepurl.com/o6uAD)**.**

_This piece originally appeared on_ [_Barking Up the Wrong Tree_](http://www.bakadesuyo.com/)_._

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