A recent analysis from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) challenges the popular narrative that life is happier without children. Contrary to the portrayal in media and on social platforms, data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) reveals that everyday activities are more enjoyable when children are present. This study examines well-being ratings associated with various tasks and settings, comparing scenarios involving children versus other individuals. The findings suggest that time spent with kids often yields higher happiness and meaningfulness scores, even in routine activities like eating, socializing, or relaxing.

According to the 2021 ATUS, adults aged 25 to 50 were analyzed to determine how their well-being ratings fluctuate depending on whether household children were present during specific activities. Results indicate that activities involving children tend to receive higher meaningfulness and happiness ratings compared to those involving other people. For instance, 56% of activity time receives the highest meaningfulness rating when children are present, compared to only 37% when others are involved. Similarly, respondents assign the highest happiness rating to 44% of time spent with their children, as opposed to just 25% of time without them.

One possible explanation for these findings is that children are less likely to be present during less enjoyable activities. To explore this further, the study examined happiness and meaningfulness ratings across specific categories of activities, both with and without children. In nearly all categories, respondents reported higher happiness ratings when accompanied by their children. For example, dining and drinking become significantly more joyful in the presence of kids, with 47% of such time receiving top happiness ratings compared to 36% when dining with others.

The study also highlights that time spent caring for household members, including children, tends to receive high well-being ratings. Activities such as traveling, dining, socializing, and performing household chores are perceived as more meaningful when children are present. Interestingly, time spent with one's spouse alone does not score as highly on happiness and meaningfulness scales as time spent with children. This suggests that while having children may reduce couple time, the joy derived from parenting can compensate for this loss.

While these results underscore the potential benefits of parenthood, they do not definitively prove that children directly enhance well-being. Other factors, such as marriage and religious beliefs, might influence both happiness levels and the decision to have children. Additionally, the survey data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by increased isolation, which may have amplified the positive impact of children on respondents' well-being.

Despite these limitations, the findings offer reassurance to those contemplating parenthood but hesitant to alter their current lifestyle. Life with children, though demanding, often proves more fulfilling and enjoyable than anticipated. As Ken Burchfiel, a Research Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, suggests, embracing parenthood may lead to unexpected joys and deeper life satisfaction.