Raising a happy, loving family is one of the most important things we will do in this lifetime. Because we know that happy kids raised in joy-filled environments will change the world. Those words come directly from The Happy Family Movement manifesto (SEE BELOW) and they are a guideline for the way we live our life every day.

Right now, we don’t have that big, happy family. Our holidays aren’t filled with cousins and aunts and uncles and eighteen people crowded around a big table playing Apples to Apples. We want that more than anything though. And the things that we are doing with our kids right now will make that a reality.

Every day we have the choice to be too busy or the choice to shape our family culture in a positive way. And here’s the best part: you can always make time! There will be lazy Saturdays when your calendar is wide open and you can spend the entire day playing as a family.

And there will be days when you’re running from work to soccer with dinner and grocery shopping squeezed somewhere in between. On those days, it’s important to find a small block of time to do something fun as a family, even if it’s only five minutes. Tickle-fest, anyone?

The truth is, it’s not too hard to impress kids. While they require a lot of time, love, and attention most of the time, on days when life is crazy busy, they can get by on small doses.

Those small doses come in the form of simple ideas for happy family living. Our family thrives on them and we use them daily, even on the days when we have all the time in the world. Some of our favorite simple ideas are:

Dance party

Find an upbeat song and dance, jump, and wiggle like crazy.

Mommy and/or Daddy monster

Parents become monsters wreaking havoc on the kiddos. Lots of tickling and lots of laughing always ensue.

Snuggle Chats

Those last few moments before the littles go to sleep. Spend some time chatting about a few things that you’re grateful happened that day. Ask them who they are thankful for and what their dreams/goals are.

Ideas that really need no explanation . . .

Tickle-fests

Jumping on the bed

Thumb wars

Reading together

Those are just a few simple ideas that happen daily in our house. What are some of the ways that you are trying to build togetherness in your family? What are some of your simple ideas?

* Photos by The Solars

Josh and Jenny Solar created The Happy Family Movement to encourage family togetherness and memorable family experiences through simple ideas for happy family living. To learn more about The Happy Family Movement, visit their WEBSITE or on FACEBOOK or TWITTER.