Between morning sickness, choosing baby names, setting up the nursery and labor (ouch!), you’ve already done a lot of hard work. But the real job of raising a happy baby has only just begun.

There’s no perfect way to raise a healthy, happy child, but these tips may help guide you as you start your parenting journey.

Get emotional. Your baby will let you know how she’s feeling with her non-verbal cues like tears, smiles and coos. It won’t be long before you’re in sync with her emotions. Do the same for her by letting her see and hear your feelings.

Have fun. Connecting with your baby means playing with her. She can hear the playfulness in your voice when you sing her silly songs or show her how to do patty-cake.

Help your baby master skills. Think your baby is too little to learn? Think again! As your infant grows, he will acquire an astonishing skill set. Help him master these milestones. Grown-ups aren’t the only ones who benefit from a feeling of accomplishment.

Create healthy habits. Exercise, a healthy diet, and yes, sleep, are the trinity of childhood happiness. A routine that includes a predictable bedtime, a menu of fruits and veggies, and a lot of physical activity means a happy baby.

Let your baby get mad. The happiest people around are those who know how to get mad—and get over it. Don’t rush to fix everything for your baby. Of course, if he is in danger, swoop in to the rescue. But raising a resilient child means raising a happy child.

Be a role model. If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy. The best way to ensure a happy child is to show her what it looks like to live a life full of contentment. We know that you can’t be happy all the time, but modeling a positive attitude toward life’s twists and turns means everyone is happy!