Experiencing Awe Toward Your Child Can Boost Parenting Joy and Fulfillment

Recent research from the University of Rochester highlights the positive impact of feeling awe and pride in relation to one’s children on overall well-being. Published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, the study demonstrates that those emotions are linked to increased life satisfaction and stronger bonds between parents and their children.

Led by psychologist Princeton Chee, the study involved nearly 900 parents and explored how feelings of pride and awe influence various aspects of mental health. Chee explains, “Parental pride occurs when a child accomplishes something meaningful through hard work, while awe arises from witnessing something extraordinary or unexpected that leaves parents in wonder.”

Interestingly, findings revealed that while both emotions enhance well-being, awe has a more profound effect. It connects parents to something greater than themselves—be it their relationship with the child or the broader concept of parenthood—thus enriching their sense of purpose and meaning. Awe even affects how parents perceive time, making moments of exceptional experience feel more vivid and lasting.

This research is particularly relevant given the rising concern over parental mental health, with the U.S. surgeon general emphasizing the importance of better support systems for parents. Chee notes, “Feeling proud and especially awe can make parenthood more rewarding, transforming everyday moments into opportunities for connection and joy.”

A common misconception is that awe requires rare circumstances, but Chee emphasizes otherwise. Everyday activities such as weekend outings or quality time can foster feelings of awe and enhance parent-child relationships. Cultivating these positive emotions does not diminish the challenges of parenting but instead offers ways to discover greater joy, meaning, and richness in the experience.

In conclusion, embracing moments of awe and pride can significantly improve a parent’s mental health and overall parenting experience, making parenthood more fulfilling and joyful.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-awe-child-parenting-joyful-fulfilling.html