Why Couples With Kids Are So Dang Happy

8. Kids force you to grow up! Yes, having no one to think of but yourself most of the time does sound tempting but there's a lot to be said for maturity gained through meaningful responsibility, and the humility you learn by having the care of another in your hands. Two grown-ups make a better relationship. — Pat Love

9. Rewards are daily, not quarterly. The look on your child's face when he's sleeping; the "Daddy’s home" glee when you simply show up; the joy of mastery when she hits that homerun; the comfort you give with just a hug or a kiss; the pride you feel when your daughter fixes your computer; the memories you make every day that stay with you a lifetime. Contented people make contented relationships. — Pat Love

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10. Having kids renders time spent with your partner more precious. Kids take a lot of time. On an ordinary day they can take most of your discretionary time. Because of this enormous demand, time with just the two of you becomes more delicious, more of a treasure. You savor each secluded moment in the bedroom. Even running errands without the kids can become a small pleasure. And there is the added bonus of showing your children what a healthy relationship looks like. Modeling is still the greatest teacher! — Pat Love

11. Kids relieve relationship boredom. Relationship boredom is a fact, but rarely so in a family with kids. They entertain; they challenge; they provide enrichment; they bring novelty and new ideas to your life every day. You won't be bored with kids in your life. — Pat Love

12. Kids provide a natural, built-in social group. Your kids' friends and families provide a natural entry to social groups and friendships. Socializing as a couple is one of the mainstays of relationship happiness. — Pat Love

13. Kids relieve relationship loneliness. Almost 30 percent of married people say they are lonely. Long work hours, financial demands, the complexity of life decisions, Internet daze — all can create a life filled with loneliness. But children pull us back into the relationship with their needs andsheer energy. We can’t ignore them, nor should we. — Pat Love

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14. Couples with kids work as a team. The reality is that parents have to interact often. They work interdependently, that is, on the same team, to accomplish the shared goal of assuring that their children thrive. Frequent positive interactions, a shared goal and interdependent partnerships nourish and enhance close bonds. — Susan Heitler