We Love Those Who Show Love

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

People are 47 percent more likely to feel close to a family member who frequently expresses affection than to a family member who rarely expresses affection.

- Walther-Lee 1999

Unless it's that creepy uncle...

Exactly!  lol

They Need You To Be Positive When Times Are Tough

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Even in the toughest times, when a person can think positively about the future they are capable of reducing the stress felt by their family members by as much as 60 percent.

- Atienza, Stephens, and Townsend 2002

Happiness Is Determined By What You Think About Most

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

People who are happy with their lives and their family lives spend twice as much time thinking about the good parts of their lives as people who are not satisfied with their life or family life.

- Diener, Lucas, Oishi, and Suh 2002

The things proven to make you happier are here.

i love these happiness tips!

Emily me too!

Family Rituals Matter

Via 100 Simple Secrets of Happy Families:

Consistent family rituals encourage the social development of children and increase feelings of family cohesiveness by more than 17 percent.

- Eaker and Walters 2002

More on how rituals make life better here.

Here are three other research-backed posts that can help build a great family:

1. How To Have A Happy Family – 7 Tips Backed By Research
2. Recipe For A Happy Marriage: The 7 Scientific Secrets
3. Good Parenting Skills: 7 Research-Backed Ways to Raise Kids Right

Overall Eric Barker's 20 Simple Secrets of Happy Families is worth multiple reads, too:

http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/12/simple-secrets-happy-families/