{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"MFP 349: Why Have Kids? an Interview with the author of Hannah\u2019s Children","description":"\u201cI think that bringing children into the world is like bringing holiness into the world.\u201d - Catherine Pakaluk   Summary In this episode, Mike and Alicia sit down with Catherine Pakaluk, economist and author of Hannah\u2019s Children, to challenge common cultural myths about large families. Secular researchers often assume religious women have many children because they are oppressed, but Catherine explains why this is far from true. Instead, faith gives parents the conviction that children are a blessing and the true good of marriage. Struggles, dysfunction, or finances exist in every family, regardless of size\u2014yet joy comes from embracing life, not avoiding it. Mothers discover their fullest potential through their children, and their joy isn\u2019t tied to public opinion or material resources. Parenthood is priceless, a long-term collaboration with God, who always gives grace when we say yes to Him.   Key Takeaways Secular researchers assume that religious women have many children because they are oppressed.  This is a myth.  A conviction formed by faith that children are a good of marriage is not irrational.  Religious women often are more open to children because they see children as a blessing and their \u201cyes\u201d is an assent to receiving those blessings from God. Many people use their dysfunctions and struggles as an excuse to not have more children, but the reality is that those issues are present regardless of the number of children you have.  Mothers achieve their full potential through their children.  Most mothers of large families don\u2019t care what people say because their joy doesn\u2019t come from that anyway.  Financial incentives to have children don\u2019t work because most parents don\u2019t need more material resources to have more children. Parenting is so valuable that money can\u2019t buy it.  It is priceless.  Mothers should never focus on \u201cbeing done\u201d.  Embrace your fertility and God will give you the grace when you need it. This is a long-term collaboration with the Lord.    Couple Discussion Questions Do we talk about \u201cbeing done\u201d?  Or do we talk about \u201cgetting started\u201d?   Do we see children as a blessing?  Do we want more blessings in our lives right now?  Resources Buy the book on Amazon:  https:\/\/a.co\/d\/gEGkjEy   ","author_name":"Messy Family Podcast : Catholic Conversations on Marriage and Family","author_url":"https:\/\/www.MessyFamilyProject.org","html":"