AIBU to think having dc has not made me unhappy?!

[proudnsad]

Daily Mail website (yeah I read it sometimes, get over it !), feature based on research that says that having kids does not bring happiness. In fact quite the opposite, can make you very unhappy.

Now, of course kids doesn't equal running through meadows and heart-bursting joy 24/7. But the responses by readers surprised me. Some saying they are thoroughly unhappy since having dc. Some say wish they hadn't have them. Lots of childless-by-choice people saying parents are a miserable, stressed bunch of lunatics.

Bloody hell, my dc drive me mad and it's tough, but they make me so happy on a fundamental 'life has meaning/I feel all warm and fuzzy when I look at your faces' level...

I work in a nursery and have my own kids and being around children makes me happier than anything in the world. I dont know how anyone can not like playing games and doing activities with children, and I dont get how some people say its boring. I dont think there is anything better.

I'm happier on a deeper level but I do miss my carefree days. I took my old freedoms so for granted but I am more fullfilled emotionally now.

I do find parenting tough and I often wish I wasn't doing it alone but I've been single for years and I did get very low as I wanted babies.

i love my children.i love the bones of them

I was happy pre kids, but I always felt that something was missing.

Even if I was on holiday in a great location, I would be happy, but not completely.

Now when I get a fierce grubby little hug from DD, then she launches into her "stripy carrot dance" I fell happy, content, from the tips of my toes to the top of my head.

(starts stripy carrot dancing )

I love my child so much...I am so much more happier since having him, he means everything to me.

I'm definitely happier since having ds. I always wanted children but I had a fairly rose-tinted view of motherhood, I don't think its possible to imagine how much your life can change when you have a child when you are still carefree and childless.

I wouldn't change things though, my ds is the best thing that ever happened to me, I can't look at him without feeling so proud that I made him and excited about our next adventure together. I don't know anyone who regrets having children.

I had dd2 9 weeks ago. Ds is 12 and dd1 is 9. I always wanted four but thought I'd come to terms with not having any more but now she's here I realise how utterly bereft I've mean for years. I hate pregnancy but adore being a mum.