Quotes from Christine Carter

The Sweet Spot is about shifting the small gears, the ones that rotate relatively easily. And because all the gears are interlocking, when we tweak a small gear, large gears start to move—effortlessly—as well.

The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes. —HAROLD B. LEE

what truly makes us happy is letting go of our fantasies about the future and instead engaging in the journey, in the process, and in the present moment.

Lie detectors detect not lies, but the subconscious stress and fear that lying causes.

walls in my office, bedroom,

Sugarcoat your complaints a little bit, as you would with a good friend whose feelings you don't want to hurt. (Gottman calls this the "soft start-up.")

Effective conflict resolution requires empathy: kids have to be able to take their friends' or siblings' points of view into account, which presents a natural opportunity for children to learn to consider other people's feelings.

The other way that we can intervene is to act as mediators or coaches rather than dictators or judges. Instead of stopping the conflict or imposing solutions, we can help kids see one another's perspectives and encourage them to generate their own solutions.

Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically … on children than the unlived life of the parent. —CARL JUNG

But don't go shopping. That is one thing that many of us do for fun that won't result in lasting happiness. Materialistic people are more likely to be depressed or anxious and have low self-esteem. The more we seek happiness in material things, the less likely we are to find it.