The key is really stepping back and looking to see what is true for us and what's true for our children. If more of us did what we loved, I think there would be less projecting onto our kids.

You can perhaps imagine my shock two years ago when my then-6-year-old asked me if she should "make a Valentine's Day present list." At first, I was impressed -- what a sophisticated joke. Alas, no joke. "Seriously, Mommy. What are you going to get me? I mean, besides candy."

By: Charles Choi, LiveScience Contributor Published: 12/26/2012 06:43 PM EST on LiveScience As the holidays call for good will toward men, new r...

Before you decide that I am heartless and ranting, please understand that I wish happiness for my children. I just don't want them -- or me -- to see their happiness as my responsibility. It's not!

Books on happiness are almost as popular as ones about teenage vampires in love. Yet, for those of us with small children, it's hard to find time to read an entire book (or rinse shampoo out of our hair).