Having children may be the key to happiness and a perfect family life. This image is true for some, but researchers say that children make parents happiest when they "fly the nest" - after they leave home.
Researchers looked at data on the emotional wellbeing of 55,000 over 50-year-olds in Europe. They found that most parents were happier with life after their children left home.
This could be because raising children is expensive and stressful.
A researcher said a reason for parents being happiest when their children leave home is the "tables are turned" - children support their parents.
The researcher said parents suffer from less depression and are more positive about life. Good family relationships stop parents from feeling lonely.
Difficult words:
key: solution
researchers: someone who studies a subject
wellbeing: the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
raising: to take care of a person
expensive: costing a lot of money
stressful: causing mental or emotional stress
lonely: sad because one has no friends or companySource: breakingnewsenglish