H Is for Happiness (2019): A Review from a Family Strengthening and Rights-Based Parenting Perspective

Introduction

H Is for Happiness (2019), directed by John Sheedy, is a heartwarming Australian family film based on Barry Jonsberg’s novel My Life as an Alphabet. It tells the story of Candice Phee, an eccentric 12-year-old determined to bring happiness back to her fractured family. The film’s vibrant storytelling, whimsical tone, and deep emotional core make it a powerful exploration of family dynamics, resilience, and the role of children in creating a harmonious environment. From a Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting® perspective, this film underscores critical lessons about empathy, communication, and the importance of listening to our precious children.

Family Strengthening Perspective

1. Recognizing Family Dynamics
   • H Is for Happiness illustrates how unresolved grief and strained relationships can disrupt family harmony. Candice’s family is fractured: her mother battles depression, her father struggles with unresolved conflicts with his brother, and they all fail to communicate effectively. The film highlights the importance of acknowledging these issues and working collaboratively as a family to heal.
2. The Role of Empathy and Understanding
   • Candice acts as a bridge between her family members, demonstrating empathy and understanding as she attempts to reconnect them. Her efforts underscore the importance of prioritizing emotional support and creating safe spaces for family members to express their pain and find resolution.
3. The Power of Collective Healing
   • The movie showcases how collective efforts, led by love and determination, can bring healing to a family. It teaches that family strengthening isn’t just the responsibility of adults but involves every member, including children, working toward unity.

Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children® Perspective

1. Emotional Safety for Children
   • Candice thrives despite her family’s dysfunction because of her intrinsic optimism and her teacher’s support. This reinforces the idea that children need a stable, emotionally safe environment to express themselves and grow. Even when the family struggles, Candice’s school provides her with an outlet to channel her creativity and emotions.
2. Addressing Grief and Trauma
   • The film demonstrates how unaddressed grief (e.g., Candice’s mother’s depression and her father’s estrangement from his brother) can indirectly affect children. A friendly and protective environment is one where the emotional needs of all family members are addressed to prevent such burdens from falling onto the child.
3. Community Support
   • Candice’s interaction with other characters, including her quirky friend Douglas Benson, shows how communities can support children by fostering inclusivity and acceptance. The role of a caring teacher further highlights the critical role of external figures in ensuring a child’s holistic development.

Rights-Based Parenting® Perspective

1. The Agency of the Child
   • Candice exemplifies the principles of Rights-Based Parenting® by asserting her agency within her family. Her proactive efforts to resolve conflicts highlight the importance of empowering children to participate in decision-making processes that impact their lives.
2. Listening to Children
   • The lack of attention Candice receives from her parents initially illustrates the pitfalls of ignoring a child’s voice in family matters. As the family begins to heal, it is evident that recognizing Candice’s contributions and listening to her ideas play a pivotal role in mending their relationships.
3. Encouraging Problem-Solving
   • Candice’s imaginative approach to solving her family’s problems underscores the importance of encouraging creativity and resilience in children. Rights-Based Parenting® supports empowering children to think critically and take initiative while guiding them constructively.

Conclusion

H Is for Happiness is a remarkable film that transcends its lighthearted narrative to deliver profound lessons on family resilience, child rights, and the transformative power of love and optimism.