Photo by Tim Coulson. www.timcoulson.blogspot.com

Martin Seligman is 'the guru' of Positive Psychology - the study of what makes life most worth living. (He's worth taking seriously even if his bio photo does show him wearing a t-shirt under a sports coat). :)

In his recent book, Flourish, Seligman discusses research that shows if we practice gratitude in our lives, we end up happier. And one of the simplest ways we can do this is to ask ourselves what went well today. Focusing on a handful of things that went well boosts our happiness, increases our resilience, and makes us more optimistic (among other things).


This can be a great activity to do with the kids each night before bed, or around the dinner table. Ask them what went well, or what they were grateful for during the day and get involved in their lives.

Another great idea to boost your happiness as a parent is to focus on what went well with your kids each day. In so doing, we reframe our thoughts about our kids in a positive light, we focus on the positive, and we find more joy in our lives.

Every few days at the Happy Families facebook page I'm asking you, "What went well with your kids today?" and every answer is great. Parents are tapping into what went well, and it's easy to feel their enthusiasm as they write.

So tell us here, or pop over to the facebook page and share what went well with your kids today. Make it a daily habit and watch how it affects your feelings towards your kids, and your relationship with them.