What's the Secret to a Happy Family

A study by the University of North Carolina found that families who say grace before meals and attend religious services get along better than families who don't.  Why?  Because faith gives people a common interest and common values.
     Happy families are not the cleanest families, though ..... Research shows that the way the house looks, it can set a negative tone.  It doesn't mean you should live like slobs, but cleanliness shouldn't be your highest priority.
    The happiest families also do two things:  They display family photos and they have collections that everybody participates in whether it's stamps, teapots, or anything else.  Both things increase the bond between family members.  Happy families also have set dinner times.
    And one last thing happy families have in common?  A family pet.  70% of the families surveyed said there was and increase in family happiness and decrease in stress after they got a pet.  Children who own a pet have higher self-esteem and are more likely to take part in sports, hobbies, and even household chores.  Families with pets are also more likely to feel hopeful when dealing with a stressful situation.
    If you want to know more about how to have a happy family you can by the book "100 Secrets of Happy Families" by David Niven.