There’s so much we can’t control in the world that we lose sight of the meaningful things and moments we can control. One thing that you can do is brighten the small moments of joy with family. What you choose to do doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. That’s the unique thing about family joy – it’s straightforward.

Think about children. It doesn’t take much to brighten their smiles and make them happy. Sometimes, sparing time to play with them makes me happy. This can have an added advantage of making you (the parent) happy because the joy of kids can be infectious.

Finding Joy with Family

The secret to true happiness in your family isn’t about what you have; it’s about how you and your family live. Here are three easy ways to find joy with your family.

1. Cultivate Family Bonding or Connection

According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, strong positive relationships in a family help regulate anxiousness and destress from everyday challenges. Your family members are the people you can turn to when life feels tough and you need support.

Even at the end of life, most people point out the strength and connection to their loved one because it was crucial to them. In the family context, this requires family members to prioritize time together and cultivate deep emotional bonds. They should also be supportive of each other in times of challenges and ensure everyone feels heard and valued.

2. Prioritize Gratitude over Material Success

Various studies have shown that long-term joy or happiness doesn’t come from professional accomplishments or material success. It comes from appreciating what you have. When your entire family begins to appreciate what they have and minimize comparisons to other families, they’ll feel contented and happy.

3. Play Games Together

If you have ever watched kids play, you already know that they can spend several hours in activities of make-believe and wonder. Such physical activities are the gateway to joy with family. You (the parents) can join your children and lose yourselves in the play.

Alternatively, you can play board games. Try to change the game rules to make the game more accessible for your young children. Other fun activities that you can engage in as a family include baking, painting, drawing, and building castles using blocks.

4. Unplug and Step Outside as a Family

Simple activities like going outside to watch sunset or sunrise as a family can help establish deep connections that bring true happiness. If you live near a creek, hill, or woodland, go out exploring. Think of the time you spend outside as an investment in nurturing joy with family.

Remember, your family needs you, and you need it. So find ways to cultivate joy and maintain it.