The Secrets of Happy Families

Research proves that happy families are good for health, longevity, peace of mind, productivity, and success. In The Secrets of Happy Families, Scott Haltzman offers an original approach to building family contentment that works for families of all ethnicities and make-ups–two-parent, single-parent, blended, childless, or same-sex couple. He provides a "positive psychology" way of solving family problems through strategy and leadership, including knowing and accepting who you are, taking a leadership role in loving and united relationships, building a network of support in extended families and communities, and making quality time for fun, adventures, holidays, and rituals.

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 What Is a Family? 7

Chapter 2 What Is Happiness? 19

Secret 1 Happy Families . . . Stick Together 28

Secret 2 Happy Families . . . Commit and Communicate 57

Secret 3 Happy Families . . . Lean 80

Secret 4 Happy Families . . . Teach to and Learn from Children 100

Secret 5 Happy Families . . . Blend 131

Secret 6 Happy Families . . . Handle Conflict 155

Secret 7 Happy Families . . . Bounce 183

Secret 8 Happy Families . . . Breathe 206

Epilogue: Happy Families . . . Evolve 227

Appendix: Aggregate Results of the Happy Family Survey 231

Notes 243

About the Authors 251

Index 253

Dr. Scott Haltzman is clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Alpert Medical School of Brown University and editor of DrScott.com. He is the coauthor of the best-selling books The Secrets of Happily Married Men and The Secrets of Happily Married Women.

Theresa Foy DiGeronimo is the author of more than fifty books in the fields of medicine, education, and parenting.

"This is a wonderful book. I recommend it to all families as required reading."
—HARVILLE HENDRIX, PH.D.
author, Getting the Love You Want and Giving the Love That Heals: A Guide for Parents

"This is a beautiful book—timely, passionate, and powerful. It is also so well written, it's a page-turner and you'll find wealth of insight on every page. If you have specific questions about how to make family love last, this book has practical answers."
—MICHAEL GURIAN
author, The Minds of Boys and The Wonder of Girls

"Scott Haltzman's writing is so engaging, it's the kind of book you pick up in a bookstore and find yourself still reading a half hour later. Inspiring and enlightening, it is filled with fascinating facts, educational anecdotes, and wise advice that you will remember, use, and repeat to others, even years from now. Don't miss this outpouring of love from a seasoned writer and psychiatrist."
—SUSAN PAGE
author, Why Talking Is Not Enough and If I'm So Wonderful, Why Am I Still Single?

"Few well-written and easily read books treat us to solid research, a wide range of thoughtful quotes, and the author's real-life experience on perhaps life's most important subject: creating a happy family. This book does it all!"
—WARREN FARRELL, PH.D.
author, Women Can't Hear What Men Don't Say and Why Men Are the Way They Are

"Haltzman's latest entry into the 'advice to families' genre is a gem. Grounded in solid family research and his own survey of families, Haltzman offers sound, practical, and compassionate advice for families. His recognition of the diversity of contemporary families is one of the great strengths of this book. The accessible style is sure to please a wide range of readers from parents to family professionals."
—ROSS D. PARKE, PH.D.
Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Emeritus, University of California, Riverside; and past president, Society for Research in Child Development