Families Are Happier Today Than Previous Generations According To New Survey

NEW YORK, May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As families gear up to spend their summer months together, FamilyFun magazine surveyed families from across the U.S. on their overall happiness level, their favorite activities to do as a family, and whether time together or material items increase the joy in their home. Survey results and FamilyFun's "Happy Family Playbook" were released today as part of the magazine's special May "Happiness" issue.

Parents and children who responded to the survey shared their family meal preferences, favorite activities, and how family happiness compares to previous generations. Striking statistics from the survey include:

• 52 percent of families say more money would make their families happier vs. 48 percent who believe more time together would help family contentment
• 88 percent say a weekly family game night would make their families happier than the 12 percent who'd prefer a new, big-screen TV
• 71 percent of families would rather experience a dream vacation together than enjoy a renovated family room space  
• Vacations ranked #1 by both parents and kids as the top activity to generate family happiness while outings to local zoos and museums and playing board/video games together followed closely behind
• Overall, parents rate their family's happiness 17 percent higher today than when they were kids

"We're always looking for ways to make our readers' time with family happier and more fun. Gathering more information on how they enjoy spending time together was a great way to check in," said Ann Hallock, Editor-in-chief of FamilyFun magazine. "We incorporated research from the latest studies on family dynamics and from experts like Sonja Lyumbomirsky, PhD, author of The How of Happiness, compiling the most valuable ways to boost happiness in readers' households. The issue combines this research with loads of additional recommendations for games, activities, apps, products, and other resources to increase family joy."

The "Happy Family Playbook" also includes seven ways to dial-up family happiness this year—including performing random acts of kindness, unplugging from electronics, celebrating positive thinking, and recognizing gratitude. For instance, did you know that simply noting five things you're grateful for each day can make you feel 25 percent happier?  Studies have also demonstrated there's a decrease of between 30 and 50 percent in depression when people eat a more whole food-based diet.

The full set of happiness tips and great ideas for fun family activities can be found in the May "Happiness" issue of FamilyFun.

To learn more about FamilyFun, visit facebook.com/familyfun, pinterest.com/familyfunmag, or follow @FamilyFun on Twitter.

FamilyFun Happiness Survey Methodology
FamilyFun surveyed three hundred respondents from across the U.S. with kids ages 5 to 12 via an online questionnaire which ran November 17-24, 2014.

About FamilyFun Magazine
Reaching an audience of more than 4.6 million, FamilyFun magazine gives parents ideas and inspiration needed to create unforgettable family moments. Part of Meredith Corporation's Parents Network of brands, FamilyFun is a trusted expert on family cooking, vacations, celebrations, play, creative projects, and learning — the full spectrum of fun that enriches the precious time families share. Written for parents with children 3 to 12, FamilyFun is unique in the marketplace, delivering real ideas for — and from — real families.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150501/213339-INFO

SOURCE FamilyFun Magazine

Related Links

http://www.parents.com/familyfun-magazine/