Most parents have found themselves entangled in this age-old parenting puzzle – How can one raise kids that are well-behaved and happy? If you are a parent, we know you very well understand what the above statement means.
It often appears to people that being happy and well-behaved are two distinct goals existing on opposite ends of the spectrum. Many belong to the school of thought that discipline requires being harsh and strict with children. The question of kids being happy doesn’t arise then. Right?
Well, we at Delhi Public School Kangra, the most trusted CBSE school in Kangra, want to put an end to this myth today through this blog post. We firmly believe being happy is actually the secret to raising well-behaved kids. Instead of spending countless hours trying to discipline your children, setting boundaries, or teaching manners, spend quality time with them so they remain happy most of the time. You’ll be surprised to see how being happy helps bring improvement in your kid’s overall behavior.
No, we are not asking you to entirely stop trying to discipline kids or teaching them ways to set healthy boundaries and develop good manners. What we are asking you here is to start paying equal importance to their happiness. It might sound counterintuitive, but happiness and good behavior in children share a profound connection.
At Delhi Public School Kangra, we encourage happiness over other things because a happy kid is more likely to embrace and cultivate healthy habits. After researching and assessing our students, we’ve found that happy kids are the most well-behaved ones because of the following reasons:
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They are better at emotional regulation
Happy kids are well-behaved because they have an incredible ability to effortlessly regulate their emotions. When kids feel happy, they experience a sense of deep contentment and inner peace. This state allows them to handle even the most challenging situations with calm and composure. They rarely resort to disruptive behavior or tantrums. When parents focus more on their kids’ happiness, they equip them with valuable emotional tools that can assist them in navigating hot waters.
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They have a positive self-image
A trait common in most happy kids is a positive self-image. Since kids feel good about themselves, they tend to exhibit behaviors that best align with their positive self-perception. Over a period, such kids start becoming more confident, kind, and respectful to others. For example, a happy child would be willing to engage in acts of kindness because their positive self-image fuels their desire to contribute to their surroundings.
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They are capable of building strong social connections
Socialization is as important for growing kids as academic prowess. Happy kids thrive in social settings and establish meaningful connections with their peers. Children who are happy and content from the inside tend to attract connections that share equally infectious enthusiasm and joy. Happy kids are likelier to build healthy relationships, learn valuable social skills, engage in cooperative play, etc. At Delhi Public School Kangra, we have seen that kids who remain happy are more inclined to solve conflicts peacefully (if any) and seek mutually beneficial solutions instead of indulging in acts of aggression.
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They share a stronger connection with their parents
It might be surprising for many, but the fact is that the relationship between children and parents is a crucial behavior determinant for the former. Happy children often have healthy and strong bonds with their parents as they feel nurtured, loved, and supported. That’s because childhood is the stage where emotional well-being flourishes.
We firmly believe that a positive parent-child relationship allows kids to internalize positive behavioral norms and values, which clearly reflect in their actions and reactions. This is probably the reason why happy kids share a closer bond with their parents and are more inclined to follow their parent’s guidance. They try to ensure that their actions align with their family’s value system.
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They have better cognitive abilities
Research has revealed that individuals’ happiness levels directly influence their cognitive development. This eventually impacts their behavior. When kids feel happy from the inside, their brains naturally get primed for optimal learning. They become more receptive to newer information and always exhibit heightened curiosity and problem-solving abilities. This heightened cognitive function helps children make better decisions. They find it relatively easier to exercise self-control, resulting in more favorable behavioral patterns.
Conclusion
As parents, you possess the power to cultivate true happiness in your kids’ lives. While setting boundaries and discipline still remain important, ensuring children’s happiness becomes the biggest tool in shaping their behavior. By prioritizing their happiness and emotional well-being, parents lay a strong foundation for their kids. This is where resilience, empathy, and respect grow effortlessly.
We at Delhi Public School Kangra, one of the most highly trusted CBSE schools in Kangra, believe that the world needs kids that are happy and well-behaved. Both are crucial, and one shouldn’t be ignored for the sake of the other. If you want your kids to become well-behaved individuals, start giving special importance to their happiness; everything else will follow!