Does raising a child make you more or less happy? Experts have long debated both sides of the parental fence. Well, score one for the parents: A recent study reports that parents are happier—and find more meaning in life—than non-parents do.

Surely you can be happy no matter what lifestyle you chose, but just know your little diaper machine won’t spoil your bliss. Now that’s something to smile about!

MORE: Happiness and Parenthood: The Link