The Secrets of Happy Families Book Summary

In "The Secrets of Happy Families," Bruce Feiler embarks on an enlightening journey to uncover the intricacies of family dynamics. With a blend of research and personal anecdotes, he reveals groundbreaking strategies that challenge traditional views on parenting and relationships. From the importance of rituals to the power of storytelling, Feiler offers practical advice that transforms mundane moments into joyful experiences. Readers will discover how embracing change and fostering communication can create deeper connections. This eye-opening exploration promises to redefine what it means to be a happy family in today’s world—are you ready to unlock the secrets?

By Bruce Feiler

Published: 2013

"The most important thing a family can do is to create a culture of connection."

Book Review of The Secrets of Happy Families

In The Secrets of Happy Families, New York Times bestselling author Bruce Feiler has drawn up a blueprint for modern families — a new approach to family dynamics, inspired by cutting-edge techniques gathered from experts in the disciplines of science, business, sports, and the military. Don't worry about family dinner. Let your kids pick their punishments. Ditch the sex talk. Cancel date night. These are just a few of the surprising innovations in this bold first-of-its-kind playbook for today's families. Bestselling author and New York Times family columnist Bruce Feiler found himself squeezed between caring for aging parents and raising his children. So he set out on a three-year journey to find the smartest solutions and the most cutting-edge research about families. Instead of the usual family "experts," he sought out the most creative minds—from Silicon Valley to the set of Modern Family, from the country's top negotiators to the Green Berets—and asked them what team-building exercises and problem-solving techniques they use with their families. Feiler then tested these ideas with his wife and kids. The result is a fun, original look at how families can draw closer together, complete with 200 never-before-seen best practices. Feiler's life-changing discoveries include a radical plan to reshape your family in twenty minutes a week, Warren Buffett's guide for setting an allowance, and the Harvard handbook for resolving conflict. The Secrets of Happy Families is a timely, counterintuitive book that answers the questions countless parents are asking: How do we manage the chaos of our lives? How do we teach our kids values? How do we make our family happier? Written in a charming, accessible style, The Secrets of Happy Families is smart, funny, and fresh, and will forever change how your family lives every day.

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The most important thing a family can do is to create a culture of connection.

The Secrets of Happy Families

By Bruce Feiler