what's the secret to having a successful family in VF?

What do you mean by that? Having children, getting all the trophies, mastering careers? I'm just curious, because I think answering that depends on how you define "successful".

well, my first 2 generations i had workaholics so i could buy everything. 4 of my 5 families had 6 kids 1st generation. now, i let them do basically what they want. i do still make them work some to keep money in the house of course. only the first 2 generations of my families i was controlling with. now im more relaxed lol i think it was the excitement due to the long wait b4 we even knew the name. but now that ive stayed up a few nights playing im much more lenient with them