Having Children Is A Key Life Goal for Many People

Recent studies have shown that people with children report being happier overall than those without children. However, parents in some countries are happier than others. American parents tend to be less happy than their English or Australian counterparts, one study found. In countries such as Norway for instance, parents reported higher happiness than non-parents—perhaps because of a strong social safety net that eases the burden of child-rearing. The key is the social policies put in place by each country. If the policies help parents manage the responsibility of childcare with the ability to earn an income, then parents will be happier. Children can be challenging and time-consuming, but most parents out there say they are worth the sacrifice. As Psychology Today summarized, recent research has found two trends when it comes to happiness and children: "First, compared with nonparents, parents are becoming happier. Second, nonparents are increasingly reporting lower levels of happiness." Economic and political questions are always a factor, the studies pointed out, but the happiness trend pointed upward for people with children. Another study from Princeton University and Stony Brook University was able to use science to put into data the rollercoaster ride that many parents describe when talking about raising children. Namely, the researchers found that while parents and childless people had similar levels of satisfaction, parents experienced more intense joys (and lower lows) on any given day. Seeing a child grow and engage with the world can bring back a parent's sense of childlike wonder, allowing them to view the world with new eyes. And while challenging, the rewards of raising a child and helping them grow into their best selves is an experience that parents say is hugely gratifying.

There are many new experiences people encounter after having children. And some people will develop new skills and insights as a result that can be applied to other aspects of their lives. Whether in one's interpersonal relationships, at work, or even with one's own parents, becoming a parent can present a huge growth opportunity for many people. For example, being a parent can teach people to have more patience with others, to communicate more simply, and to value present moments over focusing on the past or the future. Other parents report being more forgiving and being able to discern the petty from the truly important. Having children forces people to prioritize—managing their time differently than ever before and only making time for the most important things. "Becoming a mother has been one of the biggest blessings in my life," wrote one mother. "Being a mother is by far the most challenging but most rewarding job I’ve ever had." Many parents feel more grateful and thankful for the small pleasures in daily life. Some say they even feel more grateful for their own parents after having children of their own. Parenting can foster new problem-solving skills. Whether it's the time management required to juggle kids and work or the new budget that must be factored in, becoming a parent can also mean becoming a part-time teacher, nurse, counselor, or accountant. Many parents have said that having children has made them better at their jobs. Having children can help bring renewed purpose to work or other projects, and supporting children can bring new inspiration to work. Some parents have even said that daycare and meeting other fellow parents has grown their professional network.