It's very easy to make children happy. ⁠It really is.⁠

The question is, do we want to make them happy for that single moment or do we want more?

If we want them to always be happy is that even achievable?

How many single happy moments can we create one after another?

And what is a happy child in the first place?

Of course, as parents, we always want to see our kids happy. It makes us adults feel so good too right?

However, I believe it’s our duty as adults, teachers and parents to teach, guide and prepare children on how to deal with challenges when they arise.⁠

By doing everything that a child wants and by giving them everything they ask for, do we or will we make them happy in the long term?

Or maybe it's just for us adults to feel good?

For example, if every time or most of the time your child asks you to buy something for them (let’s use buying sweets or chocolates as an example), by doing so are we doing them a favour in terms of their health and eating habits or are we just say yes because it's so nice to see our children happy at that moment?

What happens if, in school or somewhere else your child doesn't receive what they ask for or what they want?

Will they know how to deal with this situation if they haven't experienced it before?

When they grow up to be teenagers and adults, things won’t always work out the way they want them to so will they be able to cope?

I think it's so important to find a balance between support, guidance and overcoming challenges.⁠

It's the same with school, playing with friends or other activities (swimming lessons are just one of them). It's about finding a balance.

How much can or will we challenge our children?

From another point of view, children are so different and the way they accept or don't accept challenges depends on so many factors.

Some children will love challenges, some won't, some will accept them and some will fight them.

And this is where it becomes more complicated, so what would you do?

Would you give up just to make your child happy so you feel happy or would you deal with it differently even if your child is throwing a tantrum or screaming hysterically?

Which way is more beneficial? ⁠

Not to make us feel good but the decision has to be made on what will be better for the child. Personally, that's the most important thing to me even if I'll be judged by others who are making spontaneous judgments without knowing the full situation.⁠

So here's a question for you to think about. 

Your child is coming to a swimming lesson at Swim Max and gets really upset. Most likely due to the new environment, new faces, etc.  They might scream loudly and don't want to do anything. The instructor is talking to your child in a calm tone and asking questions. At this time there are no exercises or challenges, just a simple chat.⁠

Your child isn't afraid of water. In fact, they're comfortable in it, but because they're screaming it's another situation where you want to make them happy, right? Note: if your kid is afraid of the water it’s a different situation.

So what do you think YOU should do? (remember there's no wrong or right answer - it's your opinion)⁠

A - Take your child out of lessons to make them happy (sacrifice learning new skills for happiness and peace)⁠.

B - Leave your child in the lesson (sacrifice temporary happiness to learn a new skill)⁠, but work with the instructor’s guidance through it. 

Let me know your answer, A or B in the comments below⁠.