Three Teens Reveal the Secret to their Happiness

Three Teens Reveal the Secret to their Happiness

THIS ARTICLE IS A TRANSLATION OF AN ORIGINAL TEXT BY OUR PARTNER
Aidersonenfant.com

Social isolation, the resumption of in-class learning, the curfew, etc.—the pandemic has been a difficult time for teens and some young people may sometimes have trouble finding happiness in such circumstances.

 

This article introduces you to Charlotte, Alexianne and Sacha, who, in spite of these obstacles, have developed a positive view of life and share their recipe for happiness with us.

Charlotte, age 17: family is central to her happiness

For 3 years, Charlotte and her family have been living in the Netherlands in Hoensbroek, a small Dutch town located in the municipality of Heerlen, in the province of Dutch Limburg.

“In the beginning, I didn’t want to move, but now I see what a great opportunity my family gave me by coming here to live. Now that I have a group of friends, I’m happier!”

 

When we ask her what happiness consists of for her, she immediately mentions her family life.

“I’m lucky to be part of a good family. My parents tell me that they love me and are proud of me. I try to appreciate the good times in life and in the present moment. For example, if things aren’t going great one day, the next day I try to go and take a walk or spend time outdoors with my dog.”

“My parents smile at me and give me hugs and affection—that contributes to my happiness.”

-Charlotte, age 17

Charlotte’s family life is an important factor that contributes to her happiness, but her temperament also helps.

“I’m someone who has always been happy in life, but I think it’s also a mindset. I can tell you that I’m quite happy right now.”

`` I wouldn’t say that the ability to be happy is innate, but it’s true that some young people tend to be more optimistic than others. ``

-Nathalie Parent, psychologist

Alexianne, age 12: going with the flow

“I’m a positive person by nature and I don’t worry too much about the future, I don’t get stressed and I go with the flow.”

These are the words of wisdom that 12-year-old Alexianne shares with us straightaway. And how does she define happiness?

“It’s like something that makes you feel good inside.”

 

Alexianne finds happiness with her family, her three cats, her dog Luna and her horse.

“When I’m feeling a bit sad, I go and pet them, because it makes me feel good and is my guarantee for happiness.”

 

But how do her parents contribute to her well-being?

“By setting limits, because if I have limits, I’m less upset when they say ‘no’.”

 

She gives the following example:

“If I ask to go shopping to buy new clothes and they say ‘no’, I go look in my closet and find clothes that I’d forgotten about and that I can wear or make changes to.”

“I don’t compare myself to others when I’m on social media. If I see a girl who looks “perfect” on Instagram, I tell myself that at some point in her life, she probably wasn’t perfect.”

-Alexianne, age 12

The pandemic has affected a lot of young people in recent months, but Alexianne remains positive:

It helps prepare us for any eventuality. COVID won’t be here permanently, and even if things get worse, I will already be used to it. Also, if I’m feeling down, I know who to talk to. There are many resources available to me. At school there’s a psychologist, a social worker and then there’s my family, too.”

 

Alexianne dreams of becoming a lawyer or actor and isn’t too worried about her future.

“I tell myself that if I keep up the hard work, everything will be okay. Overall, I’m quite confident. I tell myself: “It’s okay, Alexianne, don’t get stressed. Things will work out fine”.”

``As parents, our attitude is important. Letting your child believe that there’s no future, that there’s no way out of your situation—in short, having a rather pessimistic attitude—doesn’t help. ``

-Nathalie Parent, psychologist

Sacha, age 15: friends help him find balance

For Sacha, being in contact with friends every day helps make him happy.

“I’m lucky to have a computer and Wi-Fi, so I can always be in touch with them. I text them and two minutes later they’re there with me on a call or a game and it’s as though they are really with me.”

Because of the pandemic, Sacha sees his friends a lot less these days.

“The last time I saw them, it was about two weeks ago. We stayed outside the whole time even though it was really cold. But we talk every day on games. And that’s okay.”

“I’d say that I’m happy at some point every day. At least, I try to be as happy as possible.”

-Sacha, age 15

Having friends available to chat with every day—peer support—is important, but so is family. Sacha also likes good food and appreciates the good things in life.

“What I like is when we’re all together and eating the foods I like—that always makes me happy!”

 

So what is the secret to happiness? Sacha has found what works for him.

“For sure, being positive helps your level of happiness. Talking to friends, doing the things I like to do—that’s the secret for me.

``Happiness is like utopia. Everyone is trying to reach it, but along the way there are periods of boredom, where something’s missing. It makes you appreciate the satisfying, happy times, but it’s not something constant.``

-Nathalie Parent, psychologist

Content offered by our partner

 

Our mission: to provide support to parents!

Since 2016, Aidersonenfant.com has provided parents concrete, high-quality content free of charge to enable them to better support their children both emotionally and socially, as well as in their academic trajectory. Like social pediatrics, our approach is interdisciplinary.
Everything is connected!
Made up of a solid team of education professionals, our experts have mastered the art of popularizing content (texts, podcasts and web conferences) to make it accessible to everyone. We are committed to equipping and supporting parents of school and preschool-aged children to help them make a significant difference in the progress of their child.

Access the site

Consent choices