I do understand. I’m not saying that they have to raise themselves, but you have to admit that school-aged children don’t require the same level of attention that toddlers do. With school-aged kids, you can actually maintain a job since you don’t have to worry about childcare through the day, just pick-ups/drop-offs.

Also I’m pretty sure they’ll get money from the state for taking in the kids, to help pay for expenses. I’m sure MIL can also help out, and OP said they are financially able to take in the kids.

I understand they don’t WANT kids. I just think it’s a messed up and shitty thing to do to your family when you are perfectly capable of helping.