This is such a personal topic. The world today would have us think that children are expensive and really unnecessary for happiness. However, The Proclamation teaches us otherwise. Paragraph 4 states, "The first commandment that God game to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for his children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force..."
If we are going to fully participate in the Plan of Salvation, we will choose to have a family that includes children, if at all possible. But how many? If you would listen to the voices in the world, not many. It's no longer politically correct to have large families. That is reserved for religious types. However, there are significant consequences to societies worldwide when the number of children in a family are limited to 1 or 2. There is a great documentary that delves into this very subject that I recommend watching.
The fact is, many nations of this world have populations in decline, and many on them have reached the point where they cannot recover enough to even maintain the current population levels. This is leading to major social and economic concerns.
What about spiritual consequences? In their article, "Modern Fertility Patterns and God's Commandment to Multiply and Replenish the Earth", Hill, Carroll, and Fellows, quoting the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, counsel that "choosing to remain childless or unduly limit family size may reduce the potential for earthly couple to become like their heavenly parents. It is in the daily trials and sacrifices required to nurture and provide for one's offspring that the characteristics of godliness are acquired." (Hawkins, pg. 157)
It's easy to be judgemental towards others about choices concerning when to have children and how many to have. I know I have made negative comments about others, or insensitively questioned if and when someone is going to have kids. President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, "The Lord has told us to multiply and replenish the earth that we might have joy in our posterity, and there is not greater joy than the joy that comes of happy children in good families. But he did not disignate the number, nor has the Church. That is a sacred matter left to the couple and the Lord." (Hawkins, pg. 159)
(Image taken from https://www.deseretnews.com/top/2860/22/President-Gordon-B-Hinckley-33-tips-for-Mom-and-Dad-Parenting-advice-encouragement-from-LDS.html#sUS3sUbkB5h8glLO.32)
This is a short post, but most of what I think is important to learn is taught in the documentary. I really hope you will take the time to watch it. If you are on the ropes about whether or not to have children, I would tell you to pray hard about it. My children are my greatest joy and blessing.
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