In this ordinary world are a whole lot of ordinary people doing some very simple things that lead to happier, more connected, more resilient families.

All Happy Families Have this One Simple Thing in Common

Study after study shows that the single biggest influence on our overall happiness and well-being is our family.

It doesn't matter if your family is a nuclear family, a blended family, with one parent in the home, two parents, single faith, mixed faith, or some patchwork of all of the above.

If your family is not happy, it is possible to have a happy family.  If your family is happy, it can be happier.

There are a lot of different things that happy families have in common with other happy families (and we will share those with you).  But, there is one thing that all happy families have in common - good communication.

Frustration, lack of trust, never ending arguments - all symptoms of poor communication.  And, all lead to unhappiness.  But, creating opportunities to establish and improve communication in your home, in your family, with your spouse and children, will lead to increased happiness almost immediately.

Don't Let Your Children Grow Up Unable to Do This 

Did you know that more than half (53%) of Americans can not name all four of their grandparents?  And, only 4% can name all eight of their great-grandparents.

This knowledge gap creates a huge connection gap.

Disconnection leads to poorer physical and emotional health in children, teens, and adults.  Connection, particularly the feeling of being a part of something larger than themselves - having a strong "intergenerational self" - is the single best predictor of a child's emotional health and happiness.

Don't let your child grow up without this knowledge.

Can Your Children Answer This One Simple Question?

Children and teenagers who can answer this one question are more resilient, get better grades, and have higher self-esteem than those who can't.

The question is:  Do you know the story of how your parents met?

Knowing just this little bit of their family history means they have a stronger sense of control over their lives, they can moderate the effects of stress better, and they tend to do better when they are faced with challenges.

And, it doesn't even matter if their parents are still happily married, happily divorced, or never speak kindly to one another.  Just having that information gives children a sense of emotional attachment and helps them clearly see their place in the family story.