We’ve all seen the happy child who leans into life, smiling all the way, seemingly without a care in the world. How does this happen? Are they born this way, or can we teach kids ways to optimize their emotional well being?

Indeed, some children are born happier. Temperament, driven partially by genetic makeup, can make for an easygoing child. However, genetics account for only 20 – 60% of the child’s temperament (source). This is good news, because it means good parents can influence their children’s happiness for the better.

There are countless articles about how to raise a happy child, but I’ve boiled it down to just those practices that are proven to drive long-term happiness.