It's time to address the age-old question: Do children make us happy? Backed by powerful research and personal stories, Kylie and Justin explore the paradox of parenting—how our kids can simultaneously be our greatest joy and our biggest challenge. Featuring insights from happiness researchers like Daniel Kahneman, Paul Bloom, and Roy Baumeister, the conversation moves from exhaustion and conflict to purpose, meaning, and unconditional love.

KEY POINTS:
Research shows that parenting often decreases happiness and marital satisfaction, especially in the early years.
Daniel Kahneman's study revealed mothers find time with kids less enjoyable than activities like watching TV or shopping—particularly during stressful mornings and evenings.
Despite the challenges, most parents say they don't regret having children—why?
Cultural and policy differences influence parental happiness across countries.
Parenting isn’t primarily about happiness—it's about purpose, meaning, and deep emotional connection.
The hardest parts of parenting often give rise to the most profound moments of growth and joy.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
"If the loss of a child would be total annihilation, then having a child—healthy, happy, and sound—must be annihilation’s opposite, which sounds pretty terrific." – Paul Bloom

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
The Parenting Revolution by Dr. Justin Coulson
All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
The Sweet Spot by Paul Bloom
Meanings of Life by Roy Baumeister
Daniel Kahneman’s research on parental enjoyment
Columbia University studies by Sara McLanahan

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Redefine Happiness: Shift your focus from momentary happiness to long-term meaning and connection.
Embrace the Mess: Recognise that hard days are part of the growth—yours and your child’s.
Prioritise Connection: In the chaos, seek small moments of intimacy and presence.
Protect Your Partnership: Align as a couple around shared parenting values; the child isn’t the problem—misalignment often is.
Find Support: Advocate for better policy and community support—or build your village where you can.

It's time to address the age-old question: Do children make us happy? Backed by powerful research and personal stories, Kylie and Justin explore the paradox of parenting&mdash;how our kids can simultaneously be our greatest joy and our biggest challenge. Featuring insights from happiness researchers like Daniel Kahneman, Paul Bloom, and Roy Baumeister, the conversation moves from exhaustion and conflict to purpose, meaning, and unconditional love.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Research shows that parenting often decreases happiness and marital satisfaction, especially in the early years.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Daniel Kahneman's study revealed mothers find time with kids less enjoyable than activities like watching TV or shopping&mdash;particularly during stressful mornings and evenings.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Despite the challenges, most parents say they don't regret having children&mdash;why?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Cultural and policy differences influence parental happiness across countries.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Parenting isn&rsquo;t primarily about happiness&mdash;it's about purpose, meaning, and deep emotional connection.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hardest parts of parenting often give rise to the most profound moments of growth and joy.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: "If the loss of a child would be total annihilation, then having a child&mdash;healthy, happy, and sound&mdash;must be annihilation&rsquo;s opposite, which sounds pretty terrific." &ndash; Paul Bloom
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Parenting Revolution by Dr. Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1">All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://smallpotatoes.paulbloom.net/p/do-children-improve-your-life-do-d22">The Sweet Spot</a> by Paul Bloom</li>
<li aria-level="1">Meanings of Life by Roy Baumeister</li>
<li aria-level="1">Daniel Kahneman&rsquo;s research on parental enjoyment</li>
<li aria-level="1">Columbia University studies by Sara McLanahan</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Redefine Happiness: Shift your focus from momentary happiness to long-term meaning and connection.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Embrace the Mess: Recognise that hard days are part of the growth&mdash;yours and your child&rsquo;s.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise Connection: In the chaos, seek small moments of intimacy and presence.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Protect Your Partnership: Align as a couple around shared parenting values; the child isn&rsquo;t the problem&mdash;misalignment often is.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Find Support: Advocate for better policy and community support&mdash;or build your village where you can.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1262 - Kids & Happiness: Can Parents Truly Be Happy?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/312db254-9752-4fe4-9bdc-b2e900b6cb67/transcript