Is Happiness Overrated? (continued)

1. Teach good mental and physical health. Teach children healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise habits and model good mental health by talking about feelings, both happy and unhappy.
2. Promote a life of meaning. It's important for children to learn that there's a purpose in life beyond their own needs. Cooper suggests talking to children about your heroes and introducing them to community service projects.
3. Encourage closeness.  Show children the value of friendships by spending time with your friends and those of your children.
4. Value acts of loving kindness. Practice altruism and help your kids learn the joys of giving of themselves to others.
5. Impart gratitude. Teach children to be grateful for what they have by commenting on all on the good things about your life, even when things are rough.
6. Imbue spirituality. Talk about the non-material things you admire about others, participate in rituals, and try to answer the tough questions about life, no matter how hard they are.
7. Model optimism.  Face life with a "can-do" attitude and help your kids to learn to embrace the good that change can bring.
8. Nurture gratifying pursuits. Help your children find something they love to do which highlights their strengths.

Is happiness overrated? Not if it's genuine and long-lasting. So try replacing that mantra with other thoughts. How about: I just want my kids to have a meaningful life, with good health, and strong relationships?