The relationship between having children and happiness is complex, and a simple "yes" or "no" answer isn't sufficient. While it's not guaranteed that parents are universally "happier" in terms of short-term enjoyment, they can experience a unique and profound sense of well-being.
According to research, parenting can lead to eudaimonic well-being. This type of well-being differs from short-term happiness and focuses on the feeling that one has lived a life worth living. As stated in the reference, "The parenting experience can even lead to a profound form of wellbeing called eudaimonic wellbeing...This is the feeling you have lived a life worth living, which is distinct from short-term happiness. Both men and women can experience positive eudaimonic wellbeing when they become parents."
In summary:
- Short-term happiness: The daily joys and pleasures. Parenthood may not always increase this, due to stress and challenges.
- Eudaimonic well-being: A deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment derived from a life well-lived. Parenthood can contribute significantly to this type of well-being.
Therefore, while the demands of raising children can be stressful and may not always lead to moment-to-moment happiness, they can provide a profound sense of meaning and purpose, ultimately leading to a feeling of a life well-lived.
