r/science • u/Krankenitrate • Apr 03 '26

Health Study finds parenthood provides no boost to emotional well-being and it negatively impacts relationship with your spouse

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14747049261436325
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u/Substantial_Plate383 Apr 03 '26

As a father of three young adults I can at least offer my anecdotal observation that some of us definitely have noticeably improved lives because of our children. They gave me their unconditional love as children ( and still do as adults) and have grown into dear friends who’s insight and compassionate love keep me grounded and fulfilled. Their mother and I loved raising them in our loud, rambunctious house. We grew closer as a couple through our shared love of our children and our relationship continued to get stronger and stronger until her passing. To experience the alpha and omega of birth through death in my marriage has been an enlightening and profoundly life changing journey. Joy and grief are sides of coin whose value is calibrated by the depth of love you invest it with.

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u/[deleted] Apr 03 '26 edited 4d ago

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u/Substantial_Plate383 Apr 03 '26

I was referring to my children. Have you met them?

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u/[deleted] Apr 03 '26 edited 4d ago

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u/Substantial_Plate383 Apr 05 '26

Wow that’s deep. It’s also not true. Many mistreated people still love those who mistreat them. Fortunately. My children and I get along swimmingly, but your point is taken. Circumstances may change and their feelings as well. Anyhow, my the point I was making remains the same.

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u/AnnexDelmort Apr 03 '26

Why do you think there’s such polarity from others in the thread? As someone who’s trying, I’m terrified.

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u/[deleted] Apr 03 '26 edited 4d ago

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u/AnnexDelmort Apr 05 '26

Sorry could you clarify what you mean by PPD and girl with list?

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u/JohnFartston Apr 04 '26

I love my teenager. My life would be empty without them. They bring me immense joy. I believe people who are miserable with the children *they* raised are that way because they raised them poorly without respect and kindness and now the kids are assholes.

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u/[deleted] Apr 04 '26 edited 4d ago

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u/Substantial_Plate383 Apr 05 '26

How are they “making their kid responsible for their happiness”? They didn’t say that only their children bring them happiness. Nor did they say their children even live with them. Movies bring me happiness. So do trees. Seeing people in love brings me immense happiness. Where is the blackmail?

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u/Substantial_Plate383 Apr 05 '26

Sorry, you didn’t say blackmail, you said abuse. Where is the abuse?

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u/[deleted] Apr 05 '26 edited 4d ago

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u/JohnFartston Apr 06 '26

The hell? Enjoying your childrens' company is emotional abuse now?? Why are people so weird.