How to boost a child's happiness and wellbeing

Parents may have the biggest influence on their children's happiness, but there's a lot that grandparents can do to boost those feel-good vibes. Of course, just being involved in your grandchildren's lives is likely to make them happier - a survey from the University of Oxford and the Institute of Education in London have concluded that children whose grandparents play an active role in their lives tend to grow up happier and more resilient. 

To cultivate that special bond, here are some easy tips from teacher and mum Alexia Barrable and Dr Jenny Barnett to help you enhance your grandchildren's happiness and wellbeing - and yours too!

1. Create family traditions

Whether you see your grandkids once a day or once a year, creating a family tradition of doing something together will help your grandchildren create fond memories. Having something to look forward to and associating you with a specific fun activity will make their time with you all the more special.

2. Share family stories

Knowing their family history has been found to contribute greatly to a child's sense of wellbeing. You, as a grandparent, are best placed to share all these stories that weave the fabric of what makes your family special. Recounting stories from when their parents were young, from your own childhood and from your personal point of view, is bound to bring you all closer together and create a strong sense of belonging.

3. Physical proximity

Get the mood-boosting, bonding hormone oxytocin flowing by getting close. Cuddles, backrubs and holding hands can promote the production of oxytocin, making us all happier and bringing us closer.

4. Have a sing-song together

Teach your grandchildren your favourite song, or ask them what theirs is, and then sing together. Singing has been found to make us happier and healthier, boosting feelings of wellbeing and helping us feel connected to those around us.

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5. Get outside

If you have the option of getting outside together, do! Go for a walk, sit in the garden, or drive to the nearest park for a picnic for a happiness boost for all - no matter the weather. Green and leafy spaces, as well as the seaside, have been found to improve our mood the most, even on a cloudy day.

6. Fewer toys, more time together

Think twice about buying the grandchildren yet more toys. Instead, organise an activity together. It could be going for an ice cream, a trip to the cinema, or simply baking a cake with them. More toys, contrary to popular belief, will not make your grandchildren happier, but spending time together will.

7. Look forward to the next visit

Anticipation has been found to increase the pleasure we derive from a certain event. So, count sleeps until your next visit, call up and remind them of the next time you will see them and plan what you might do the next time you are together.

8. Happiness is contagious

Invest in your own health, happiness and wellbeing. Several studies have shown that being around happy people will make you happier, so don't neglect looking after yourself and your needs!

Alexia and Jenny's book, Growing Up Happy, is published by Robinson and is available online and from all good booksellers. 

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