Ep 047: The FUN Habit in Parenting and in Life with Dr. Mike Rucker

The Relational Parenting Podcast

Dr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He has been academically published in publications like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, Mindful, mindbodygreen, and more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness and is the author of 2023’s top-rated happiness book, The Fun Habit, which is out now.

Takeaways

• Toxic positivity and the pursuit of happiness can be detrimental to mental well-being.
• Acknowledging and processing trauma is essential for healing and personal growth.
• Positive psychology tools should be tailored to individual contexts and needs.
• Finding time for fun and adding enjoyable experiences to life can enhance overall well-being.
• The fun habit is an invitation to have joy in the present moment, rather than constantly chasing after happiness.
• Making deliberate choices to incorporate fun into life can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background

01:11 Writing 'The Fun Habit'

04:38 Personal Trauma and Identity Crisis

06:08 Toxic Positivity and Glossing Over Experiences

08:12 Positive Psychology and Processing Trauma

10:02 Tailoring Positive Psychology Tools

11:25 The Importance of Context in Positive Psychology

13:13 Acknowledging Complexity and Individual Differences

15:09 Empathy and Understanding in Parenting

19:38 Connection and Rapport with Children

22:11 The Impact of Internet and Access to Information

25:16 The Changing Dynamics of Parenting

27:11 The Importance of Fun and Connection in Parenting

31:15 Creating Moments of Fun and Connection

36:40 Embracing All Feelings and Adding Fun to Life

38:47 Finding Time for Fun

41:38 The Fun Habit as an Invitation to Have Joy in the Present

43:58 The Impact of Lack of Leisure on Burnout and Productivity

47:57 The Shift in Parenting Paradigms

50:15 Navigating the Challenges of Parenting in the Digital Age

53:04 The Negative Effects of Social Media on Children

55:28 The Importance of Parental Guidance in the Digital World

58:14 Making Deliberate Choices to Incorporate Fun into Life

01:01:08 Overcoming Inertia and Finding Enjoyable Activities

01:04:08 The Power of Environment, People, and Activity in Finding Joy

01:07:29 The Hedonic Flexibility Principle and Seeking Challenges

01:09:23 Balancing Hard Work and Rest through Fun

Where to Find Mike:
1) | website | https://michaelrucker.com
2) | Twitter | https://twitter.com/performbetter
3) | Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mike.rucker.phd
4) | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thewonderoffun
5) | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrucker
6) | Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/mikeruckerphd
7) | Simon & Schuster | https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Fun-Habit/Mike-Rucker/9781982159054
8) | Substack | https://funhabit.substack.com

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Creators & Guests

• Natalie Long - Editor
• Jennifer Hayes - Host
• Mike Rucker - Guest

Happy Parenting and Good Luck Out There!