Does Having A Second Child Increase Happiness? The Answers Are Divided

One woman posed a question about whether having a second child increased parents’ happiness, and the responses were divided.

The question of whether having a second child increases happiness is a topic of interest for many parents. Many ask this question when deciding whether they want to try for a second or third child. Here is how people responded to the query.

Positive Responses

Some parents responded positively, with one saying, “100%. I had such an incredibly hard time with my first that I was expecting hell again, and I just got easy sunshine and babyhood that I filled my heart all the way and more.”

Another parent said, “Yes, absolutely. I’m not going to pretend it’s easy, but my second is adorable and delightful.”

Other positive responses:

“Yes. I am much happier having a second child knowing my son has a partner to go through life with. Some days are very hard but it’s all worth it to see them interact together. We really feel like a family.”

“Yes, I’m glad we had a second and I would 100% do again. I think things may have been easier with an only, but I felt incomplete and a little anxious without a second.”

Related Post: How Often Should You Visit Your Parents So They Can See Their Grandchild?

Negative Responses

However, not all parents shared the same sentiment. One parent replied, “Sorry to buck the trend but no. Your happiness will not double. Two is different, not better or worse. Regarding happiness, it’s well established that your level of happiness is more linked to you and how you feel about yourself, so having a second child won’t magically make you happy. So have another child if you feel you want 2, don’t if you feel you don’t. There’s happiness along both paths.”

Another parent stated, “Yes and no. My second is so cute right now and he makes me smile far more than my four year old “teenager” did at the same age and currently. At the same time, they feed off each other and make my anxiety and stress so much worse. I’ve come to the conclusion that my happiness needs to be based on me and not on my children.”

“Statistically speaking, 2+ children has not been shown to make people happier.

Of COURSE there will be people who are happier, of course there will be people who are less happy, and neutral. But apparently neutral and less happy win out in the stats… take it with a grain of salt because ultimately everyone’s experience is different and your happiness shouldn’t come from having children and your children aren’t responsible for making you happy.”

This article has been inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Arnie Nicola