Funny, the exact opposite sentiment is mentioned in the article. I'm not sure who is right.

A man is the sum of his responsibilities. A man with no wife or children has fewer responsibilities and is seen with suspicion, and rightfully so.

Now that wife-less and child-less man may be a good person who has taken on other responsibilities that give him worth in both his own and society's eyes but far more are worthless overgrown boys looking to extend their adolescence with their vague notion of 'freedom'.

When you're ready to grow up, nothing strengthens the legs of a man like the weight of a wife and children. Accept that responsibility with gladness and fortitude and men will tip their hats and women will admire but more importantly, you'll be a man, my son.

Much more likely, parents (and anyone else) don't think about you nearly as much as you think they do. Probably don't think of you at all. And they probably look at their kids as something they love and makes their live much richer, not a "status symbol."