We take the burden and share the responsibilities equally. The joy of life is experienced by both. Husband is Vishnu the protector, and wife is Laxmi the provider. Then I had two children. It was one more step which made me aware of myself and brought me closer to the Divine due to the unlimited joy they gave me.
Children are our mirror.
They can be hurtingly blunt and honest. Yes, kids have much more self-control than we grownups. But the best advice was given when once I was crying. Cheerfulness, goodness and such qualities are associated with the Divine, and the more you love people, friends and relatives, the more you find these virtues in them. They give you happiness and help when needed.