Actor-producer Mindy Kaling took to Instagram to share a lovely gratitude note on her 44th birthday in which she revealed that she has been her healthiest ever. She credited her children – daughter Katherine “Kit” Swati, 5, and her son Spencer Avu, 2, for her improved overall well-being. Sharing photos of her daughter and son, pulling their respective trolley bags as the family goes on a holiday, Mindy wrote alongside, “Look I know I’m clearly materialistic but the best birthday gift to me, for the rest of my life, are these two guys”.

Revealing she was “never a kids person”, the Never Have I Ever producer shared that it was after her mom passed away, she was crystal clear, she wanted babies. “I was never a “kid” person. When my mom passed though, it just clicked in me: I wanted kids with such intense certainty. I bet some of you can relate”.

Mindy added now she wants to be her best self for her kids. “Now I’m just trying to be present for them (hard for me! I’m impatient!), being up for anything (again hard for me, I am not whimsical!), and stay healthy for these two guys (ALSO hard! I just want to eat cheesesteaks every meal in front of the TV) for until I’m an old gray skeleton they’re like ‘mom, you gotta go'”.

Talking about her improved health, Mindy shared, “My doctor told me that this year I was the healthiest I’ve been in years. That’s a pretty damn good gift, right? I’m usually kind of low-level anxious, so I’m just gonna take one minute on my birthday to acknowledge that I am happy. Man, there are ups and downs in this life!! But my ups seem to be the most important ones right now. Thanks for my birthday love. (Also maybe I will buy myself that trendy Dior bag that looks like a kidney bean).”

Can children make you happy?

Children can have a positive impact on a parent’s mental health, but the relationship between parenthood and mental well-being is complex and multifaceted. “While raising children can bring joy and fulfillment, it also comes with various stressors and challenges that can potentially affect mental health,” Dr Mazher Ali – Consultant, Psychiatry, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad told indianexpress.com.

On one hand, the presence of children can promote happiness and mental well-being. “Caring for and nurturing a child can provide a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. Parent-child interactions, such as playing, laughing, and bonding, can boost positive emotions and contribute to overall mental well-being. Additionally, the unconditional love and affection shared between parents and children can provide emotional support and a sense of connectedness, which can positively impact mental health,” he explained.

However, it is important to acknowledge that parenting can also be demanding and stressful. “Sleep deprivation, financial pressures, and the constant responsibilities of child-rearing can create challenges that may impact a parent’s mental health. It is crucial for parents to prioritise self-care, seek support from their social network or professionals when needed, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure their own well-being,” added Dr Ali.

The influence of children on a parent’s mental health can vary depending on various factors, including personal circumstances, support systems, and individual coping mechanisms. It is important to approach parenthood with realistic expectations and to prioritise self-care to maintain good mental health while raising children.