Study Finds Teens Are Most Happy at Home

So what is it that makes teens happy? If you are like other parents you might rush to guess that it is music, friends, or the opposite sex.

A survey conducted by the Associated Press and MTV of 1,280 teens to find out what it is that make them smile most. You might be surprised to know that topping the list was spending time at home.

"They're my foundation," says Kristiana St. John, 17, a high-school student from Queens in New York. "My mom tells me that even if I do something stupid, she's still going to love me no matter what. Just knowing that makes me feel very happy and blessed."

73% of teens mentioned that their relationship with their parents makes them happy.

"It's good news to hear young people being realistic about what really makes them happy," says psychologist Jean Twenge, author of "Generation Me" and a professor at San Diego State University. "Research has shown us that relationships are the single greatest source of happiness."

Also interesting to note, is that the study found that children of divorced parents likely to be less happy than those whose parents are still together.

The survey found that sexual activiy may also lead to less happiness.

These findings indicate that the things parents can do that will be most worthwile to their kids is to spend time building their relationships.