Ever wonder how your children feel when you’ve returned from being away from them for a few hours? Do you think your children look forward to your return when you return from an appointment or a day at work?

How do you greet your children, and how do your children receive you? Are they joyful or accepting of their routine? Are they eager to take the next step, whatever that is?

An image that comes to mind, which most of the world would have seen, is Princess Diana greeting her children with outstretched arms and a smile on her face. She is lowering herself to their level to give them what you know would be a massive, heartfelt hug.

While children can seem blase about your return and appear to take you for granted, they do develop an emotion to the event. Do you remember being scared of a parent on their return or feeling happy and secure in knowing they’ve returned as expected?

How do you want your child to feel, and how do you want to approach them in future?

There’s a saying, ‘Happy wife, happy life’. Happy kids also lead to a happy life. When the whole family is happy, it brings a sense of joy to everyone.

Parents want their children to grow up and be happy. It’s the little things along the way that contribute to their happiness and their sense of joyfulness at various times.

I visited a friend recently. She had new neighbours move in next door recently. I asked her about them, and she replied that she didn’t like the father as he was loud, swore frequently and constantly yelled at his kids.

I suspect he doesn’t realise how he is impacting his children.

There are many benefits to helping your child discover joy in their life. When a child has an understanding of joyfulness, they experience more positive emotions and happiness in their daily life. Healthwise, joyfulness can boost a child’s immune system so they have better overall health. When a child is happy, they are more open to learning and trying new things. They can also feel a sense of contentment and inner peace.

The majority of parents want this for their children. What brings us joy is different for everyone and there are many little things you can do to bring joy into their lives, and yours.

Start by asking your child ‘what makes you happy and excited?’ Find out what brings joy to their life. I’d love to know if you were surprised by their answer or if it’s what you expected.