Last week, my one-year-old daughter discovered the comedy goldmine of me pretending to fall asleep at the dinner table.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, makes her giggle like someone slowly closing their eyes and pretending to snore while they’re taking a bite of mashed potatoes. Meanwhile, my six-year-old son—nearly finishing his first year of kindergarten—has decided that knock-knock jokes and living room dance parties are the height of his day.

In these moments, I’m reminded that joy isn’t just a bonus in family life, it’s essential. It’s the glue, the spark, the protective armor. And yet, joy is often the first thing to go when life gets hard or hectic.

Let’s talk about how to cultivate joy—and why it’s worth the effort.

Joy is more than just fleeting happiness. Dr. Brené Brown, research professor at the University of Houston, describes joy as a deeply vulnerable emotion. In her research, she found that “the people who were the most resilient in the face of fear were the ones who practiced gratitude and lived joyful lives.”

In a family setting, joy looks like this: shared laughter over burnt pancakes, impromptu dance parties during clean-up time, the warm quiet of snuggling on the couch at day’s end. Joy is the undercurrent of connection—it bubbles up through safety, playfulness, and belonging.

According to the Journal of Marriage and Family, families who intentionally engage in positive shared experiences—like play, rituals, and shared meals—report higher overall satisfaction and lower levels of conflict. Even more compelling: when kids grow up in homes where joy is a regular guest at the table, they’re more likely to become resilient, empathetic adults.

And joy isn’t just for the kids. Dr. John Gottman, one of the leading researchers on marital stability and relationship satisfaction, has said that happy couples maintain a “magic ratio” of 5 positive interactions to every 1 negative one. Joy doesn’t just cushion our bad days—it rewires how we show up for each other on the good ones, too.

Here are a few signs that joy is alive and well in your family life:

1. Inside jokes

that only your family understands.

2. Playful teasing

that makes everyone laugh, not cry.

3. Moments of collective silliness

bad karaoke, dance-offs, shared storytelling.

4. Emotional safety

where all family members feel free to express themselves.

If none of that rings a bell, take heart. Joy isn’t a fixed trait; it’s a skill. Which means it can be rebuilt, moment by moment. 

Here’s how to cultivate joy, even when you’re tired:

1. Schedule your fun.

It sounds counterintuitive, but research from the National Institute for Play shows that when families set aside time specifically for fun, the emotional payoff is higher than when fun is spontaneous but sporadic. Try a weekly “joy night”—whether that’s pizza and puzzles or a family bike ride.

2. Catch them doing something right.

Kids light up when they’re noticed for being kind, creative, or brave. Spouses do too. Praise doesn’t just encourage—it connects.

3. Practice gratitude together.

According to Dr. Robert Emmons, a leading researcher on gratitude, families that regularly reflect on what they’re thankful for report more optimism, stronger bonds, and fewer disciplinary problems. Start with three things around the dinner table.

4. Laugh on purpose.

Pull out those old baby videos. Watch a kid-friendly comedy. Make a fool of yourself with zero apology. Humor helps us metabolize stress, especially in parenting. (And yes, some days that looks like turning spilled milk into a joke rather than a meltdown.)

5. Make space for everyone’s joy.

What brings your spouse joy might not be what excites your kids. That’s okay. Joy in families means respecting individual sources of delight, while celebrating them together.

It’s easy to think of joy as something you earn when life is finally less stressful, more organized, or completely under control (as if!). But here’s the truth I’m learning right alongside you: Joy is not the reward. Joy is the work.

And when we lean into it—even with sticky floors, toddler tantrums, and deadlines looming—we send a clear message to our children and partners: “Life is better because we’re in it together.”

That’s not just a parenting win. That’s a legacy.

What brings your family joy lately? I’d love to hear. And if you’re not sure, maybe it’s time to act silly and find out.

Lauren Hall is the President and CEO of First Things First. Contact her at [email protected].

When my son was two-years-old, he drew a really beautiful picture of swirls, scribbles and dots… with a rock on the side of our car. The scratches were fairly superficial, but the incident revealed something deeper between my husband and I–it was the first time we realized we had different parenting styles.

Parenting can feel like navigating a ship through uncharted waters. Add another captain to the helm with their own map and compass, and the journey can get rocky.

If you and your spouse or partner have found yourselves at odds over parenting styles, you’re not alone. These clashes are common, even for couples with seemingly strong relationships. The good news? Disagreements don’t have to derail your parenting journey. With intentional effort, you can guide your children as a team, even if your approaches differ.

Parenting styles often reflect deeply ingrained values and experiences. One parent might lean towards strict discipline, shaped by a belief in structure and accountability, while the other might prioritize fostering independence and creativity, perhaps influenced by a desire to avoid repeating patterns from their own childhood. Recognizing that these differences stem from personal history can help soften conflict and provide an avenue for deeper understanding and conversation.

Dr. Laura Markham, clinical psychologist and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, emphasizes that clashes often arise not from a lack of love or care but from differing interpretations of what’s best for the child. “When you’re in disagreement, remember that both of you want to raise happy, healthy, and successful kids—you just have different ideas about how to get there,” she says.

Children thrive in environments that feel stable and predictable.

Research from the University of Michigan highlights that inconsistent parenting—where one parent is overly permissive and the other overly strict—can lead to confusion, anxiety, and behavioral issues in children. Unity doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything, but it does mean presenting a cohesive approach to your kids.

Here are some strategies to align your parenting efforts, even when your styles don’t perfectly match:

1. Prioritize communication.

Healthy parenting partnerships are built on communication. Schedule regular check-ins—away from the kids—to discuss what’s working, what isn’t, and where compromises might be made. Approach these conversations with curiosity rather than judgment. For example, instead of saying, “You’re too lenient,” try, “I’ve noticed we handle discipline differently. Can we talk about what’s important to each of us?”

2. Find common ground.

Start by identifying shared values. Maybe you both agree on the importance of kindness, honesty, or resilience. Once you’ve pinpointed these shared goals, you can tailor your parenting approaches to support them, even if the methods differ. For instance, one parent might encourage honesty through open conversations, while the other might use consistent consequences for dishonesty.

3. Agree on non-negotiables.

Every family has its deal-breakers—rules or principles that are non-negotiable. These might include bedtime routines, screen time limits, or safety measures. Agreeing on these core areas provides a foundation of consistency for your children, even if your approaches differ in less critical areas.

4. Play to your strengths.

Instead of striving for identical parenting styles, lean into each partner’s strengths. If one parent is great at calming tantrums and the other excels at fostering curiosity through play, let each person take the lead in their area of expertise. This not only lightens the load but also exposes children to diverse ways of problem-solving and connection.

5. Model respectful conflict.

It’s unrealistic (and frankly unhealthy) for kids to never see their parents disagree. What matters is how you handle those disagreements. Avoid arguing in front of your children, but if it happens, model respectful communication and resolution. Psychologist Dr. John Gottman’s research shows that witnessing healthy conflict resolution can teach children valuable lessons about compromise and emotional regulation.

6. Seek outside guidance.

Sometimes, it’s helpful to bring in a neutral third party. Parenting coaches, therapists, or trusted mentors can provide fresh perspectives and help you navigate persistent disagreements. They can also offer tools to improve communication and find creative solutions.

7. Keep the big picture in mind.

In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to get caught up in whose approach is “right.” But parenting isn’t about winning arguments; it’s about raising well-rounded, emotionally healthy humans. Remind yourself (and each other) of this larger goal when tensions arise.

Diverse parenting styles can actually benefit children. Exposure to different approaches helps them learn flexibility and adaptability. A parent who’s more nurturing might teach empathy and emotional intelligence, while a parent who values structure might instill good habits and responsibility. Together, these approaches can create a balanced environment where children feel both supported and guided.

When my son displayed his art skills by etching his masterpiece into our car, I wanted to make sure he knew art was a fun, creative outlet to be enjoyed within certain parameters. My husband wanted to make sure he knew it was wrong to scratch the car with a rock. Neither of us disagreed with the other, we had different priorities for the end goal. Together, we were able to reach a resolution and provide a well-rounded approach to the situation. Today, my son has his own art table where he knows exactly what he can use to unleash his creativity. He also helps us wash the car and understands the value of maintaining what belongs to you.

Parenting as a team doesn’t mean being identical; it means being intentional. By embracing your differences and working towards common goals, you and your partner can create a parenting dynamic that’s both effective and deeply rewarding for you and your kids.