who is happier...parents or nonpqrents

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/study-parents-happier-parents-25940766?tab=9482931&section=1206833

Who is happier....parents or nonparents?

As a parent are you happier compared to when you wasnt?

 

Ive been happy pre and post kids but I will say that I feel more of a purpose in life after having kids. Having kids adds a dimension to your life that's hard to explain. Hectic, stressful at times but a love like you'll never ever be able to duplicate. My babies are my absolute everything and the happiness they bring to my life, just by being present in it, is immeasurable. So yea, I'd say I'm happier post kids :heart: :heart: :heart:

 

Go to 41:54 to 42:06, says it all for me.

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It's a bit of a mixed bag for me. I have never loved anyone the way I love my son. He's the most important person in the world for me, and now I can kind of understand how my mother is about me, as she loves me more than I love myself. However, I have to say that loving someone that much also causes a lot of pain and anguish, particularly when you have to fight to see them, etc. Just as you love more than ever, you also now hurt more than ever. It makes me feel a sense of extreme vulnerability and worry that I never had when I was only worried about myself. It does add focus to your life because you have someone else to think of before yourself, but that responsibility is also kind of overwhelming. It's a daily struggle. I guess I would say I was 'happier' before but feel more 'rewarding' now.

 

Per the bolded part above, just want to support and encourage you. It is always great to see fathers (especially Black fathers) who are 100% invested in, love and care about their kids. Keep up the good fight and know that there are others who are proud of your efforts.

[FONT=georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif]A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. ~Author Unknown
[/FONT]
[FONT=georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif]I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom. ~Umberto Eco[/FONT]

 

Thanks, Loki!

 

You should be happy with or without kids.

 

I'm child-free and very happy. My life has purpose, depth, flexibility and freedom. And is filled with love. I am blessed.

 

No children and happy but wouldn't dream of having life end without them.

 

I am better off without children because parenthood is not for everyone. I am a better uncle than a father. So, I am happy without children. Many stand-up comedians will say that a child changes everything. And it is very true.

 

I was happy w/o children but I'm happier with them. They bring this love out I can't explain. It's weird watching my little doppelgängers. Lol

I did have my first at almost 27 so I have no regrets.