Instead, a child’s overall happiness depends on feeling safe, loved, and free to be themselves, says Barot. “It’s not about being constantly happy, but rather about feeling stable ...

check out the Tiny Happy People collection of nursery rhymes and songs. And bear in mind your baby might be feeling sleepy, too. “Parents can miss the cues of their child being tired," says Janet.

NC Child says their legislative priorities include early childhood education, child health and well-being, and family economic security.