Sometimes that is exactly the case For example, farmers. Farming families have traditionally had more children, and children were able to help with farm duties. We don't see as much of this in a lot of areas anymore because farming doesn't take as many people as it used to - at least in areas with machinery.

In some traditional areas, it probably depends on the gender of your children too.

Additionally, there are 'soft' benefits, like older children providing child care or adult children taking care of their parents or in-laws.