Q: "WE'RE busy working parents with two young children, and our family life is consumed with the practicalities of work and bringing up a family rather than being fun. What can we do to create more happiness?"
A: Teacher Alexia Barrable, who co-wrote Growing Up Happy (Robinson, £13.99) with neuroscientist Dr Jenny Barnett, says: "Life has a lot of demands on our time and attention when our kids are little. However, I've found that even simple routines slotted into our busy week can enhance our family's happiness.
"Have a meal together. Research has repeatedly shown children who eat family meals are happier, have better social skills and even do better academically.
"When you do have some time together (at the table, during the bedtime routine or in the car) ask your children what they're looking forward to. This is an excellent way to connect, but also anticipating upcoming events has been shown to enhance our positive feelings.
"Put some touch into your life: holding hands on the way to school, a hug at the gates, some hairbrushing after the night bath - touch has been shown to increase our feel-good hormone oxytocin, making us feel more relaxed, as well as helping us bond.
"Finally, schedule some Random Acts of Kindness with your little ones. Plan and execute an act that will make someone else happy: research shows you're very likely to boost your own wellbeing in the process.
"Enhancing happiness isn't just about having fun (although that helps), but rather about creating and nurturing deep connections."
