This article deals with the paradox where mothers rate being a mother as something that makes them very happy, yet, in other ways, the chores related to motherhood rate very low:

Ask a mom if she's happier now that she has a child and she'll usually say yes. In fact, around the world, children top the list of the most enjoyable things in life... Being the mom of a young child (especially one under 3) is rich and rewarding, but also a real strain on your mood... On their list of pleasurable activities, moms rank it lower than eating, exercising, or watching TV... In fact, kid care rates only slightly higher than housework, working, or commuting... One reason for the discrepancy between moms and experts: selective memory. When psychologists ask moms in a general way whether they like spending time with their kids, the overwhelming majority say they do because they're thinking of fun activities such as reading a book or playing in the park. When they're specifically asked to describe their actual daily routine, they remember the hours they spent struggling to get their child dressed or ready for bed.

The article offers 8 tips to focus on the positive -- and learn to make it a daily habit. The tips are: Admit when you're stressed, Get enough sleep, (Re)consider your priorities, Go with the flow, Savor the moment, Take the long view, Reconnect with your spouse, and Say thanks. Visit the article for more details about each tip.

Labels: child care, happiness, motherhood, tips