Making Happy People: The Nature Of Happiness And It's Origins In Childhood.

This is a study of happiness. It explores the relationship between happiness and success, and the ways in which parents can influence each individual’s capacity for happiness – the most sought after, and most elusive, human property. 'Making Happy People' breaks new ground in the literature of happiness in two ways: by offering a scientific perspective on a subject that has hitherto been the preserve of philosophers, artists, psychoanalysts and self-help gurus; and by looking at the origins of happiness in the individual.

This is an accessible and attractive science book, essential reading for every parent. It uses the perspective of psychology and biology to establish how best to bring about happiness, but it is not prescriptive and does not require you to follow Ten Crass Steps to Nirvana.

All parents want their children to be happy. But few take things further than this vague wish – until things start to go wrong and unhappiness has arrived to stay. Only then do they realize that what might seem obvious at first glance is in fact far from obvious.