Super Bulldog and the Secret of Happiness

One day, I was sitting in the park when a mother and father approached me with worried expressions on their faces.

“Super Bulldog, we need your help!” they said. “No matter what we do, our son is not happy. We buy him the best toys, feed him his favorite meals, and fulfill all his wishes, yet he remains unhappy. Why?”

I smiled and nodded knowingly before speaking:

“My dear friends, your child is only experiencing ‘pleasure happiness’ but has not yet reached ‘meaning happiness’!”

Pleasure Happiness: Momentary Joys

Pleasure happiness is short-lived. A toy, a sweet treat, a new bicycle, or a video game… Yes, these bring happiness, but only for a short time. Just like ice cream is refreshing, but melts in a few minutes.

Concrete Examples:

You buy a new phone, feel excited the first day, but after a week, you get used to it.

A child wants a new toy, feels happy after getting it, but soon forgets it and asks for another.

You stay at a luxurious hotel, enjoy the pool, but when you return home, you feel bored again.

When pleasure happiness fades, it leaves a void behind. That’s when children start asking, “Where’s the next one?”

“This is why your son is unhappy!” I explained. “He is looking for happiness in the wrong place!”

Meaning Happiness: True and Lasting Joy

The parents looked at me with curiosity.

“So, what is meaning happiness, Super Bulldog?” they asked.

“Meaning happiness is the kind of joy that makes a person feel good in the long run. It comes when you have a purpose, a goal, and it is lasting!” I explained. “And the best part? We can teach our children to achieve this!”

Concrete Examples:

A child starts learning to play the piano. It’s difficult at first, but when they successfully play a song, they feel proud.

Studying math can be challenging, but when we finally solve a problem, we feel true happiness.

Helping at an animal shelter makes us feel good inside.

This kind of happiness is different from pleasure happiness. It lasts longer and is more fulfilling.

“To help your son achieve meaning happiness, give him responsibilities, goals, and a sense of purpose!” I advised.

How Can We Teach Meaning Happiness to Our Children?

Happiness comes not only from receiving but also from giving. Teach them to help and share. Ask them to leave water out for a stray animal.

Help them set goals. Encourage them to take up a musical instrument, a sport, or a science project.

Teach them to handle difficulties. Instead of protecting them from challenges, help them learn to overcome them.

Show them the joy of patience and effort. Encourage activities like solving puzzles, reading books, or growing plants, which require patience but bring satisfaction in the end.

Support them in developing their skills. Ask, “What are you best at?” and guide them to improve.

Encourage them to contribute to others’ happiness. Helping a younger sibling, assisting an elderly person, or tutoring a friend nourishes their soul.

Spend quality time with them. The most valuable thing you can give them is your time. True happiness is love!

The parents nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Super Bulldog! We have only given our son toys, but we haven’t given him meaning!”

“Give him a goal, a purpose. Be his guide. That’s when he will find true happiness!” I said.

The parents smiled as they left. I waved them off, knowing that their child would now chase not just toys but real happiness!

Now it’s your turn! Share this article with every parent who wants to ensure lasting happiness for their children. Like, comment, and help more people discover the path to true happiness!

With love, Super Bulldog! 🐾