New Illinois Study Proves Saying One Important Thing Is the ‘Secret Weapon’ For Happiness

A new University of Illinois study has proven that saying "thank you" is scientifically linked to family happiness and good mental health...but now the big question is; how?

Parental Must-Dos

My husband and I have two young daughters, and teaching them manners has always been a big priority for us...even at home.

Quite honestly, there are few things that annoy me more than kids who lack common manners, (don't even get me started about other people's children who help themselves to food without asking), and I would be horrified if I found out my children were not saying "please" and "thank you" for everything when I am not with them.

I believe showing gratitude is one of the simplest forms of common decency, and parents who aren't teaching their children to say "please" and "thank you" are doing them a huge disservice. Here's the scientific proof...

Saying 'Thank You' Is the Key to Happiness

The University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana recently posted a study about the effect gratitude has on family relationships and mental health, and to no surprise, it's very significant.

Obviously, every family is different, but they usually have one big thing in common; the parents do more than their kids.

Working, shopping, cooking meals, doing housework and home upkeep, you get my point, a parent's to-do list is long, and U of I's study found demonstrations of gratitude effect mothers and fathers differently.

U of I's Study on Thankfulness

According to MSN, University of Illinois researchers;

analyzed data from 593 parents across the United States who were either married or in romantic relationships and had at least one child between ages four and 17. They measured how appreciated these parents felt by both their romantic partners and their children, while also assessing their psychological well-being, parenting stress levels, and relationship satisfaction.

The study found that kids at different ages express gratitude differently, but all forms played a big part in reducing parental stress and increasing happiness.

Are you ready for the most shocking results of the study?

For women, feeling appreciated by their children was linked to both lower parenting stress and higher relationship satisfaction with their partners. However, for men, higher levels of gratitude from younger children were actually associated with slightly lower relationship satisfaction.

Does this mean that men who receive a lot of positive attention from their children spend less time on their relationship? (that's kind of disturbing!)

U of I's study uncovered a lot of worthwhile information when it comes to positive family dynamics, but I think the biggest takeaway is this; when the work and efforts of a family member go unnoticed and unappreciated, it takes a big toll on that person's happiness.

A meaningful "Thank you" is really the most important thing you can say to someone you love. Please remember that.