I am putting this here because I want to reread it sometimes and be reminded of it. Good stuff:

“I tell this story because, whether we parents like it or not, the world’s attitude about children and openness to life is directly affected by the quality of our relationship with our children. Whenever we are out in public, that relationship is on display. If we worked ceaselessly on our children’s character, by the grace of God, they will dispel negative preconceived notions, and be a witness to the world that children are one of God’s greatest blessings, and being a parent is a great joy. As the Vatican II document Gaudium et Spes reminds us: ‘Children really are the supreme gift of marriage and contribute substantially to the welfare of the parents.’” – Tom and Caroline McDonald, The Catholic Week, July 31, 2009.