County

What makes kids happy?

We live in a time when high self-esteem is encouraged early, when young people have more independence than ever, but also far more depression, anxiety, cynicism and loneliness. So how do we help our kids be happy and successful, without becoming what many experts dub the “Entitled Generation”?
Maybe the better question is how much do we control our children’s happiness? We know temperament is partially genetic, but most experts believe environment plays a bigger part. There may be a genetic predisposition for anxiety and depression, but research indicates a variety of factors contribute to a child’s happiness and resiliency. Here are some strategies that will strengthen a child’s capacity for joy and success.
Encourage Connections
One of the biggest resiliency factors is connection between a child and as many other healthy role models as possible. Parents and family members, friends, neighbors, teachers and caregivers all provide a sense of being loved, understood, wanted and acknowledged. Being connected is a huge protector against emotional distress, suicidal thoughts and risky behavior.
Don’t Try So Hard
Trying to keep your child happy in the short-term may hinder his long-term happiness. Granting their every wish teaches kids to expect this in the real world, and they can’t deal with anger, sadness, disappointment or frustration. Kids who don’t learn to deal with negative emotions will be crushed by them as adolescents and adults.
Be Responsible for Your Own Happiness
Children of depressed parents suffer twice the average rate of depression. One of the best things you can do for your child’s emotional well-being is nurture your own. Be a good role model for your child by practicing good self-care.
Give Praise for the Right Reasons
We know that happiness is connected to self-esteem. But praising kids only for their achievements or traits such as intelligence or beauty teaches them that acceptance and approval are conditional. Instead, focus on praising efforts rather than results. Praise the hard work and persistence that goes into achieving, rather than the achievement itself. However, praise is not the only way to increase self esteem.
Allow Them to Fail
We set our kids up for disappointment later in life when we tell them they “can be anything.”  Reality simply doesn’t live up to those expectations. Allowing your child opportunities to learn skills, experience consequences and struggle a bit teaches them perseverance and helps them develop an optimistic attitude for meeting challenges. They also learn responsibility, which gives them a sense of inclusion and contribution.
Teach and Practice Gratitude
Feelings of gratitude are linked to emotional well-being. Being conscious of what we’re thankful for not only makes us more empathetic to the others’ needs but gives us one of our strongest coping skills during difficult times.
Happiness is a Choice
What it boils down to in the end is that sometimes life is hard, expectations are not always met and bad things do happen. Teaching our kids to be responsible for their own happiness rather than looking for it externally is the most important lesson we can teach them.
By Gina Toothaker  LPC, CACIII

By Gina toothakerlpc, cacIIISpecial to the Herald TimesRBC I We live in a time when high self-esteem is encouraged early, when young people have more independence than ever, but also far more depression, anxiety, cynicism and loneliness. So how do we help our kids be happy and successful, without becoming what many experts dub the “Entitled Generation”?Maybe the better question is how much do we control our children’s happiness? We know temperament is partially genetic, but most experts believe environment plays a bigger part. There may be a genetic predisposition for anxiety and depression, but research indicates a variety of factors contribute to a child’s happiness and resiliency. Here are some strategies that will strengthen a child’s capacity for joy and success.Encourage ConnectionsOne of the biggest resiliency factors is connection between a child and as many other healthy role models as possible. Parents and family members, friends, neighbors, teachers and caregivers all provide a sense of being loved, understood, wanted and acknowledged. Being connected is a huge protector against emotional distress, suicidal thoughts and risky behavior.Don’t Try So Hard Trying to keep your child happy in the short-term may hinder his long-term happiness. Granting their every wish teaches kids to expect this in the real world, and they can’t deal with anger, sadness, disappointment or frustration. Kids who don’t learn to deal with negative emotions will be crushed by them as adolescents and adults.Be Responsible for Your Own Happiness Children of depressed parents suffer twice the average rate of depression. One of the best things you can do for your child’s emotional well-being is nurture your own. Be a good role model for your child by practicing good self-care.Give Praise for the Right Reasons We know that happiness is connected to self-esteem. But praising kids only for their achievements or traits such as intelligence or beauty teaches them that acceptance and approval are conditional. Instead, focus on praising efforts rather than results. Praise the hard work and persistence that goes into achieving, rather than the achievement itself. However, praise is not the only way to increase self esteem.Allow Them to Fail We set our kids up for disappointment later in life when we tell them they “can be anything.”  Reality simply doesn’t live up to those expectations. Allowing your child opportunities to learn skills, experience consequences and struggle a bit teaches them perseverance and helps them develop an optimistic attitude for meeting challenges. They also learn responsibility, which gives them a sense of inclusion and contribution.Teach and Practice Gratitude Feelings of gratitude are linked to emotional well-being. Being conscious of what we’re thankful for not only makes us more empathetic to the others’ needs but gives us one of our strongest coping skills during difficult times.Happiness is a Choice What it boils down to in the end is that sometimes life is hard, expectations are not always met and bad things do happen. Teaching our kids to be responsible for their own happiness rather than looking for it externally is the most important lesson we can teach them.

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
9 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
10 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
13 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
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9/9

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