It is possible to have a happy family if you put forth the effort to make sure everyone gets along and shows respect for one another. By following the tips below, you can keep your family happy with one another.

Make Sure You Are Present

Being around for your family is the best way to make them happy. If you are not around, they may feel like you do not care about them. Even if you have work and are unable to spend tons of time with your loved ones, you should still make time for them, spending hours with them when you are not working. The quality time spent with your loved ones is what helps you with building those stronger bonds.

Parents often get distracted by their phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. If you are spending more time on your devices than you are with the children, they are going to feel left out and may even act out because of it. Always make sure you are present and showing the attention and love to your family because they need it.

Show Some Affection

When families are more affectionate with one another, they are often happier together according to this Lakeview psychiatrist. Tell your children and loved ones how much they mean to you, let them know you love them, and embrace them with comforting hugs. It may feel a bit weird in the beginning, but you will eventually get used to show more affection toward your loved ones.

Work on Communication

If you want everyone to feel happy, make sure that you are communicating back and forth. A lack of communication can easily lead to problems, misunderstandings, and arguments that really do not need to take place. If you want things to remain peaceful, you should work on your communication skills and encourage your loved ones to do the same.

Always Be Fair

Some children are naturally better at sports, smarter in certain subjects, or even more behaved than others, but that does not mean you should show favoritism to the good child. Even if you do have a child that is known for his or her rebellious behavior, you should try your best to treat each of the children fairly. It hurts a child to see their siblings receiving better treatment.

There is a way to go about handling a child’s behavior without making that child feel like he or she does not belong in the family. For example, you could address problems with the child in private and not in front of the other siblings. You could ask about his or her behavior and find out what is bothering the child before doing what you can to make sure he or she feels included.

Do Things Together

You will need to do things with your family if you want everyone to feel loved and happy. Some of these different things include participating in a family game night, going out to eat together, or even riding bikes together through the park. You do not even need to spend money to have some good times with your family.

Spend Individual Time With Each Child

While it is good to spend time together as a family, it also helps to spend individual time with each of your children. Find out what they like to do and try to spend a few hours doing those things that with that particular child. It is a good idea to make a schedule because then you and your children can get into a set routine.

Reward the Kids for Behaving

If your children are behaving, you should reward them for doing so. It is easy to come up with punishments when children are behaving badly, but they often are not rewarded for their good behavior and the effort they put into different things, including school and assorted activities. A reward does not need to cost you anything and may be something as simple as letting the child stay up for an extra hour before going to bed.

Participate in Physical Activities

Start doing some physical activities with the family, such as playing a game of soccer, riding bikes together, or even going for hikes on a nature trail. It is a great way to bond with your loved ones, spend that quality time together, and even get some exercise in for the day.

Have a Good Time

Instead of stressing over unimportant issues, make the most of your time together. Do not be afraid to let loose and have a good time with your children and spouse. You should enjoy the time you will have together because these are the times where you will get to make the most memories.