How to Be Happy: Tips for Moms

Happiness is basic. Just ask your kids.

Babies fuss when they don't eat and sleep at regular intervals. While humans learn to adapt to schedule snafus as they get older, this fundamental truth never changes: If you aren't sleeping enough, eating regular meals, or being active, you—like an infant—will get fussy.

The most basic things make children happy, but that doesn't make them insignificant. Margaret Owen, Ph.D., is the director of the Center for Children and Families at the University of Texas at Dallas and works predominantly in the field of child development and family relationships. I told Owen about the response I got when I asked my 4-year-old son what makes him happiest: “Chocolate milk.” It doesn't get any more basic than that.