What are your top 3 tips to having a happy family??

[Cranky Kitten]

The ones we've kind of fallen into using without really thinking about it...

1. Say I love you. Say it often and mean it.
2. Don't go to bed angry. If something is bugging you, or you're upset over something, talk about it. Clear the air and move on.
3. Play with each other. In our house it's ticklefights, silly games and tricking each other.

[glenny_c]

1. Make time for your relationship with your partner. Have dates (even if it's just sitting down to dinner together after kids are in bed- TV off!)
2. Cleaning can wait. It's MUCH more important that you sit down with your little one/s and play than vacuum!
3. Don't forget to look after yourself. Take time to do things for YOU. Relax whenever possible!

[Miss.September]

1. Take time out as a couple. We try to have "date night" each Saturday night. Consists of a movie, a bag of chips and a bag of m&ms. We also try to go out by ourselves once every couple of months. If we can't go out, then we go to the drive in.

2. Enjoy the little things. If it's a nice night, go and have a play on a beach, or take dinner to the park and have a picnic. We do the beach during summer even though it's over an hour away for us.

3. Open the windows and doors on a mild or sunny day. Fresh air clears the soul and makes for a happy household.

[LuluHB]

1. Really listen to what your children think/want and treat them with the level of respect that you would give to any adult.
2. Say yes, more than no. I don't mean give them everything they want, but if they want you to sit and do a jigsaw with them, the ironing can wait! If you don't make yourself available to them and encourage togetherness in activities now, you've got no hope of them wanting to include you in their lives as they get older.
3. Nurture your relationship with your partner. As well as making you both happier, which passes on to your kids, a friend of mine's very wise father once told him that the best gift you can give your children is to cherish their mother. So true (and vice versa of course).

[chody47]

1. Really listen to what your children think/want and treat them with the level of respect that you would give to any adult.
2. Say yes, more than no. I don't mean give them everything they want, but if they want you to sit and do a jigsaw with them, the ironing can wait! If you don't make yourself available to them and encourage togetherness in activities now, you've got no hope of them wanting to include you in their lives as they get older.
3. Nurture your relationship with your partner. As well as making you both happier, which passes on to your kids, a friend of mine's very wise father once told him that the best gift you can give your children is to cherish their mother. So true (and vice versa of course).

I just wanted to say that your number 2 here really hit a chord with me. I've often wondered in my own life why my Mum and I aren't close like lots of other Mum's and daughters and I think you've hit the nail on the head. We didn't really do much together when I was growing up so I can see why I don't automatically try to 'include' her in my life now like a lot of my friends do. Don't get me wrong, I see her and stuff....just not much and I am happy with that. I do however think that she wishes she was included more now, but I find it hard having not had her include me so to speak....