“Want to be happy? Don’t have kids.” Of the trifecta of being married, having money, and having kids, a Harvard academic says being married makes the biggest difference to your personal level of happiness. He’s pretty harsh about parenting: “Parents tell me all the time that: ‘My child is my greatest source of joy’… My reply is that: ‘Yes, when you have one source of joy, it’s bound to be your greatest’.” Yowch.
Moire
May 9, 2008 — 11:54 pm
The older we get, the more the husband and I believe we’re probably not cut out for kids. Besides, everyone else in our respective families keep having children every year or two. There are plenty of nieces and nephews to spoil and have fun with — and then give back to their parents at the end of the day. People keep telling us that kids will take our marriage to the next level, and me, the cynic, wants to reply, “Yeah? So what’s the next level, divorce?” 🙂
Emily
May 10, 2008 — 1:50 am
I’m with Moire! (With and alternative to the husband bit, but you know).
Other people’s kids are a much better idea!
jp
May 10, 2008 — 6:52 am
One of the ladies I used to work with called these kids her “handbacks”.
Nieces, nephews, godchildren and children of friend…She was the favourite aunt who was loved by all.
Not a bad way to go.
aim
May 10, 2008 — 9:19 am
WORD.
Kris
May 10, 2008 — 9:44 am
Oh, Sis! I was expecting you to argue this one. The fact that you don’t… makes me want to give you a hug! It must be rough.
Rachel
May 10, 2008 — 1:51 pm
I would respond in more detail but the baby needs me…
… The only way I have a life is to read your blog and pretend it’s me…
I’m only slightly joking
kristen
May 11, 2008 — 3:39 pm
i sorta want to argue this one.
kids are great. yes, they are bloody hard work at times, and there have definitely been days when i just wanted to run away. but overall, my son brings me so much joy, it really does make the bad times worthwhile. much like many other things in life, surely?
and who said we are meant to be happy all the time anyway? i think part of our humanity is tied up in dealing with non-happy stuff.
Bex
May 12, 2008 — 9:18 am
another ‘WORD’
Staci
May 12, 2008 — 2:21 pm
I think Kristen put it well. I like her comment that part of our humanity is tied up in dealing with the non-happy stuff (three sick kids, five and under, the past week definitely fits in that category). The un-happy stuff some of the time helps you to appreciate the true joy in the good times. Even if they’re only so-so good times.
Not that kid-free marriage doesn’t have its ups and downs. I’m a little surprised his results called marriage such a certifiable happiness increaser given the stats today on divorce. I’m glad it turns out that way statistically, but from an article that seems to harbor so much cynicism, I’m surprised.
woolpig
May 19, 2008 — 3:36 pm
I adore my three girls. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t offer them as a job lot should a passing band of gypsies enquire about an asking price on a bad day.