In what ways can having children improve your quality of life?

This is my own opinion, and completely anecdotal, but having children can help improve your quality of life in several ways. Children can provide parents a sense of purpose. Parents are responsible for the well-being of their children, and this obligation in-turn forces parents to become less self-centered, and focus on something other than themselves. The relationships parents develop with their children is also unique to any other bond. They represent a piece of you, and are completely dependent on your for everything. That dependence, when coupled with the love they have for you, can give your life new meaning and joy.