Everyone has those challenges, but the ones that are happy and make it through have the ability to think positively and move forward knowing that they have each other and tomorrow’s a new day.

I like to think I live that way, and hope to pass that attitude onto my children.

For me, what it comes down to is LIKING each other and really enjoying one another’s company. Not all the time, certainly, and we all have our quirks (which can be annoying) and make plenty of mistakes. But I think one of the things I’m actively trying to foster with my kids is that we all have to care about each other as a group just as much as (or more than) we care about ourselves. There are seven of us so by necessity that sometimes means sacrificing for the good of the group, but I think in the end that makes us a stronger family and a happier one, too. We laugh–a lot. Especially at ourselves.

Sharongilo, I’ve actually not noticed your observation at all in my own life. I know some very highly educated people who are really good at talking around and/or concealing their unhappiness (as well as some who are genuinely happy) but as a group I’ve not noticed the highly educated people I know to be actually any more happy than the less educated. I do think the stresses that come with being not educated (lower earning potential, for example) might be different from the stresses a more educated person would experience, but I think people can and do pursue and choose happiness no matter what their background. It just might look different in practice.

For me, it is having family members who are there for support, to share laughs, and to break bread with. I am lucky to have a husband and son who are both wonderful mentors and fans–couldn’t ask for better.

A comment to sharongilo- I believe it is not education but the ability to work through issues and problems with mutual respect to all parties involved. Yes, and sometimes this does involve outside interventions but there are families who intuitively know how.

I “ran away” at age 18. By ran away I mean I moved out-packed up most of my stuff in boxes and left. My parents didn’t notice until the day I didn’t come home. I’m still not particulary close to them although we have reconciled to some degree.

What makes a happy family?
Love.

Your family has it, you can see it in the pictures. Every individual has their own road to travel but as long as there is love present, you always know where home is.

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