Why Your Happiness Matters

3,567 views · Published 19 April 2013 · 1:43 · Indexed 22 September 2026

Channel: Greater Good Science Center · 2013 · Education

Watch on YouTube

What will it take for you to lead a happy life?

Since my book Raising Happiness was published, I've met so many unhappy parents I've come to believe there might just be an epidemic of unhappiness in them -- especially in the parents of young children. While there probably isn't an epidemic of depression in parents, I'm pretty sure there IS an epidemic of busyness. Do this little thought experiement with me: imagine that you have some free time -- a whole afternoon to yourself. Do you take that time to take a nap and read a good book? To work? To play with a friend? Do you catch up on the laundry, and then take your kids to that newish trampoline place they've been begging to go? This short video makes the case for NOT always spending more time with your kids.

More from this channel

• 3:32 Teaching Gratitude

  Greater Good Science Center

  4,915 views · 21 April 2010

• 5:13 Mary Gordon: Tiny Teachers

  Greater Good Science Center

  1,085 views · 27 July 2011

• 3:48 Creating Good Habits

  Greater Good Science Center

  2,936 views · 30 August 2011

• 2:24 Christine Carter: Surviving December Holidays

  Greater Good Science Center

  2,916 views · 26 November 2012

• 1:57 Relationship Tip: Say Thanks

  Greater Good Science Center

  3,640 views · 28 January 2013

• 22:57 Megan Cowan and Chris McKenna on Mindfulness for Students and Educators, Part 4/4

  Greater Good Science Center

  1,673 views · 22 July 2014

• 14:24 Stacy Bare: Why Veterans Should Get Outdoors

  Greater Good Science Center

  2,054 views · 29 June 2016