The pursuit of happyness is every person%u2019s primary occupation. For some happyness is family. For some it%u2019s money. As parents, we primarily want our kids to grow happy and healthy. As far as health is concerned, we can give them good food and take them to the doctor when they fall sick. But when you want to raise a happy child, you really need to work hard at it. Here are a few things you can follow to help your child stay happy as she faces life%u2019s many challenges.

. Set an example. Stay happy in front of your child. When you face life with a very positive attitude and exude a zest for life, your child is sure to follow in your footsteps.

. Keep the home atmosphere peaceful and warm.

. Don't expect the world from your child. Understand that each child is unique and be realistic in your expectations from your child. A child is really happy when she feels that her parents love her and accept her as she is.

. Spend time with your child. Children value the time you spend with them, talk to them and play with them more than all the toys that money can buy.

. Show your child that you believe in her. This helps boost her self-esteem.

. Establish a routine. Kids find a routine to be comforting. But be sure to keep the routine flexible.

. Give genuine praise when your child does something right. Don't resort to flattery as a child can easily see through it.

. Be positive even when you want to criticize your child.

. Balance work and play. Once your child finishes her homework, you can take her out to shoot a round of basketball or play a board game indoors.

. Stress on exercise and physical activity. Physical exertion increases "feel good" endorphins.

. Don't keep saying "No" all the time. Try to say Yes more than No.

. Don't hesitate to discipline your child. Over-indulging a child and giving in to her whims and fancies does not always make for a happy child

. Make her understand that failure is a part of life. Something that can be overcome.

. Teach your child values because the values that she learns in childhood are the ones that stay with her throughout her life.

. Tell your child how much you love her very often. Those words mean a lot to her even if it feels like she hardly hears it most of the time.

. Be involved in every aspect of your child's life talk to her - about school, friends and other experiences.

. Give her the power and confidence to make decision on her own - small ones at first. This will help her think on her own and give her the satisfaction of doing things on her own.

. Remember, your child needs to know that she has a very special place in this world and in your heart. Find ways to tell her she is God's very special gift to you.