Most Fathers aren't Happy...Are You?

An article in the New Yorker last year said, "Most people assume that parenting will make them happier. Yet a wide variety of academic research shows this is not true." The article goes on to say that children invariably reduce marital satisfaction, and the more children you have the less happy you are. I was actually a bit shocked to see that overall parents were less happy than there childless adult counterparts. As I looked into the issue further I realized these parents that were less happy weren't looking at happiness from their kids standpoint, rather looking at fulfilling their own desires.
When I became a parent my happiness and my satisfaction was not my main concern anymore. I had a living, breathing human being that I was lucky enough to be put in charge of. I take that job very seriously and I measure my happiness based on how they are feeling. I don't think I could be happy if they are sad, those two things do not go together in my book. As parents we have to do a whole lot of sacrificing to have a happy family. Instead of watching the game, we have to take the kids to practice, or instead of relaxing on the weekend we have to be a kid's birthday party with our children. As much as these things may seem like a burden we should be happy to spend this quality time with our kids. Being there to support them at their events instills confidence and a lasting bond. They will always remember that you are there for them in whatever path they choose.
When I think about it, I couldn't imagine my life without the joy my kids bring to it. There are definitely hardships and it's tough worrying about their safety, but the joy of watching them perform on stage, on a field, in the classroom, or just in your living room is enough to make it all worth it. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Dajs Daily will be observing the holiday on Monday May 30th, and we will have the positivity back for you bright and early on Tuesday May 31st.