> Having grown up in a large family within a religious subculture full of other large families, the amount of time and attention children consume was crystal clear

Similar experience here growing up Mennonite (they’re sorta like the Amish but more moderate).

I’m one of the only remaining men in my family without kids, but those that do have kids (and there’s a lot of them) are super busy. This is at least partially offset by their wives who are more on the traditional side.

They all do seem very fulfilled however :)