Dual parent incomes

I found it interesting in this week’s podcast/ instructor’s notes that dual income families are actually found to be happier. It has been shown to reduce stress and increase mental and physical well-being. This is because a parent is able to compensate for un-happiness in one area by being successful in another area.  For example if a parent has a bad day at work then they can come home and feel satisfied by helping their family. Or vice-a-versa. It also improves their social well-being by being able to connect to others. Confidence is also increased by being successful in a career. It also helps the marriage by having similarity in life styles and being able to connect with each other.

I have been a stay at home for the last five years in till here recently. (Besides going to school). I love to be at home with my children but the burden of not being able to help out finically and not having a social life had brought me to the decision to go to school and then get a job. I love being able to go to work now and I feel like I appreciate my kids a little more when I get home after not being able to see them all day. My husband on the other hands doesn’t understand why I would want to work and wants me to watch our children, but to me I feel more independent, and happier working.

If I could research this more, I would like to know if the kids are happier because the parents are less stressed. I would think it would have a lot to do with if the child has a positive, loving caregiver in the absents of their parents.