Meagan

 

Let Loose. Out in public, I seem pretty grown-up, and I’ve been known to balk at doing the hokey-pokey with the kids during library story hour. But at home? Totally different story. Peek in my windows and you’ll catch me making up an impromptu opera with my 12-year-old or challenging my six-year-old to beat his older brother’s armpit-farting record. I like that my kids know there’s a “private me” that’s a lot more relaxed than my public persona.

 

Stay Silly. There’s nothing more fun than creating a bit of a scene, family-style. Like the time we all bought fake mustaches, then drove around town wearing them. We loved pulling up next to people at stoplights and waiting for them to look at us. On road trips we’ve been known to all silly dance down the highway (except the driver, of course – he just bobs his head to the music.) 

 

Tease (With Care). Our family loves to poke fun at ourselves and one another, but we’re mindful to lay off of the more sensitive or easily-embarrassed family members and stay away from sensitive topics. I figure that if I model both kindness and also the ability to laugh at myself, my kids will grow up understanding how to be careful of others’ feelings while also not taking themselves too seriously.

 

The way we see it, any event – from dinner to the ride home from school – is an opportunity for humor, silliness and just all-around good times. After all, what better way to enjoy family time than by having a good laugh?

 

For more happy thoughts from Meagan, visit www.thehappiestmom.com.