Does having kids make you happier?

This study caught my eye.  With all the bad news that goes along with having to wait for parenthood, at least one study seems to think that the wait pays off.  According to an MSNBC survey having children when you are older (vs. younger) is more likely to increase your happiness- “Does having kids make you happier?”    Of course there are lots of reasons this may true.  It doesn’t necessarily say waiting to have kids makes you happier.  It’s just that those who are parents and in their 40s seem happier than those in their 30s.  It could be that their kids are older now and they can appreciate them more.  Or perhaps they are just more at home with being parents.  Either way, it is a grain of positive news amidst all the obstacles that come with aging and starting a family.  When I started down this road I was 34 and not super worried.  4 years later, I stress about age as a factor too making it even harder to have hope for a healthy baby.