On the one hand, the U.S. social safety net — providing government support for families with low incomes — has expanded over the past several decades, including greater access to health care via Medicaid expansion and greater financial support for those who are working through more generous earned income tax credits. Parents can be financially stressed and not feel happy about themselves as parents; at the same time, parents can feel happy for or about their children and buffer financial stress from their children. What alleviates financial stress and supports psychological well-being in one family might not be the same as in another family.