About this episode
If all we had to go on was Salon, Slate, or T he Atlantic magazines, we'd be forced to conclude that becoming a parent is a life sentence of loneliness. Though studies do demonstrate a loss in certain forms of happiness for parents, according to Brad Wilcox of the Institute for Family Studies, that conclusion " no longer fits the data ." Nearly 60% of childless men and women say they are lonely some, most, or all the time while only 45% of those with children report the same. Likewise , "82% of parents say they are 'very happy' or 'pretty happy' compared to just 68% of the childless." Some of the shift likely has to do with how the pandemic disrupted social life, which families were partially insulated against. Another factor is likely America's improved work-life balance . More important is how happiness is defined. Kids can create stress like nothing else, but they are also a source of joy and meaning. For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, visit Colsoncenter.org