Why did having many children make sense before the days of old age pensions,family allowance,and welfare?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before the advent of old age pensions, family allowance, and welfare, having many children was seen as a social security system. As there was no guarantee of financial assistance from the government, having more children meant that there would be more people to provide support to parents in old age or in times of financial distress. Therefore, having many children made sense as a form of social security.

Why Did Having Many Children Make Sense Before the Days