In Jainism, taking up a family life as a householder (grihastha) is a valid and respected path. The goal isn’t just procreation, but how you live your life and what you teach others, especially your children, along the way.

Key points from a Jain perspective:

• Path within samsara: Householder life is one of the two main paths in Jainism (the other being renunciation). It provides an opportunity to practice ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy in appropriate ways), and aparigraha (non-attachment) in daily life, while supporting spiritual growth for yourself and your family.
• Role of parents: Parents have the duty to raise children with right conduct, compassion, and respect for all living beings. By modeling ethical behavior, education, and discipline, they help shape souls who may later choose the path of spiritual progress or renunciation.
• Creating virtuous habits: Household life offers everyday situations to practice patience, kindness, generosity, and self-control—qualities that are essential on the Jain path to purusharthas (spiritual aims) like right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• Social and karmic aspects: Children are part of one’s karma and family responsibilities. A Jain household can cultivate merit through caring for parents, helping others, and supporting spiritual communities, while avoiding violence or harm.
• Ultimate aim: Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal for every soul. Whether one marries or renounces, the intention and inner state matter most. A family life can be a meaningful and responsible staging ground for practicing dharma, while leaving open the possibility of renunciation later if one’s inner call arises.

In short, having children (and living as a householder) is not contrary to Jain spirituality. It’s a legitimate, honorable way to practice dharma, educate the next generation in Jain ethics, and cultivate the virtues that prepare a soul for spiritual progress—while always keeping the ultimate aim of liberation in view.

If you’d like, I can explain how Digambar and Shwetambar traditions describe the grihastha path in more detail.