20 Simple Secrets Of Happy Families – All Backed By Science

Where You Live Matters

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Open Communication Is A Must

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Tell The Family Story

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

(More on the value of telling family stories here.)

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

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

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

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

To Be Happy With Your Family, Be Open To Change

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

We Love Those Who Show Love

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

They Need You To Be Positive When Times Are Tough

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

History Beats Apology

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Try To Be Fair, Not Right

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

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

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Discussing Tough Subjects Pays Dividends Later

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Happiness Is Determined By What You Think About Most

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

(The things proven to make you happier are here.)

Family Rituals Matter

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

(More on how rituals make life better here.)

Kids That Pick Their Activities Enjoy School

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Separate Your Work And Family Life

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Coping With In-Laws Is Worth It

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Fido Helps

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

(What your pet says about your personality is here.)

Kids Need More Than Just Mom And Dad

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

(Bruce Feiler, author of The Secrets of Happy Families, presents some excellent research on why grandmoms are so important here.)

Anyone Can Have A Happy Family

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

What’s Next?

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

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This piece originally appeared on Barking Up the Wrong Tree.