How could people have a lot of children (5+)` and still be able to take care of all of them?

Question

I'm not trying to be judgemental but how could you stand to have so many children close in age calling or crying for you every second of the day. How do you provide personal attention when a new thing comes up every minute? It's just something I have always been curious about and I saw this program on TV about the people who have like 15 kids!

Wow seems like I hit a touchy subject with someone. It isn't back in the days. People have choices now with birth control and women's lib. I was asking a serious question out of curiousity and I even said this isn't to offend anyone or be judgemental. And if someone is living off of welfare to have a ton of children I think it is my problem.

Answer 1

THIS IS A TOUCHY SUBJECT WITH ME...I AM THE OLDEST OF 5 KIDS. MY DAD WORKED VERY HARD AND MY MOM STAYED HOME WITH US KIDS. I LOVE MY DAD TO PIECES, HE HAS THE BEST WORK ETHIC OF ANYONE I KNOW.

MY HUBBY AND I ARE PREGNANT WITH OUR SECOND SON. WE DECIDED THAT WE ARE ONLY HAVING 2 CHILDREN BECAUSE WE TALKED ABOUT IT AND DON'T FEEL AS THOUGH WE COULD SUPPORT ANY MORE THAN THAT FINANCIALLY. AND MY HUBBY HAS A GOOD JOB TOO.

MY SISTER AND HER HUBBY ARE ON WELFARE..AND DONT SEE ANY PROBLEMS WITH PUMPING OUT ONE CHILD A YEAR...WHICH I HAPPEN TO FIND DISGUSTING CAUSE MY HUBBY WORKS HARD TO PAY TAXES...JUST SO THEY CAN POP OUT KIDS THEY CAN'T AFFORD.

I KNOW A FAMILY THAT HAS LIKE 12 KIDS AND THEY DONT CARE...THEY LIVE ON A FARM, AND JUST KEEP POPPING THEM OUT...IN FACT THE LAST TWO HAVE DOWNS SYNDROME DUE TO THE MOTHERS OLDER AGE AT BIRTH. IF IT WERE ME, I WOULD HAVE STOPPED AFTER ONE DOWN BABY. THEIR DOWNS BABY'S ARE ADORABLE BUT VERY HARD TO CARE FOR.

Answer 2

That other person Love Life was kinda rude. I think this is a good question.

And I totally agree with you. I have no idea how people can afford more than 1 or 2 kids. I'm actually very careful as to not get anyone pregnet cuz I see my friends that have kids struggle. But I remember back when my parents had us (3 kids total) we had to go on welfare shortly when my dad lost his job.

But people with 15+ sheesh.. maybe those people have farms and need the kids to help with farm duties

Or if you ever watch the beginning of the movie Idiocracy. It has pretty good parody of your question.

Answer 3

I saw the show you are talking about and it really comes down to the older kids taking care of the younger kids, and doing things like cooking, cleaning and laundry. I think those are adult responsibilities and I don't think it's fair to put that burden on a child, but as long as the kids are loved and raised well and they are not on welfare it's not my business. Personally, I couldn't handle that many kids. I have twin babies and they are a lot of work. In a couple of years we may have another one but honestly I don't know if I can handle it. Kids are so much work.

Answer 4

Well, it really isn't that difficult. Well it can be stressful, but not that bad if you teach your kids from the time they're young so you don't have to always be watching and yelling at them.My family keeps foster children and have had as many as six children plus me at once all under six. I'm 13 and so the 3 yr.olds and younger consider me another mother. My mom is always around but I'm in charge often. Like I'll take them outside or into your toy room while my mom cleans and stuff like that but I don't find it difficult at all and I'm only 13 so I can't explain how you do it but my family does and so do many other families.

Answer 5

The couple across the street from me have 7 kids. Ages 13 down to newborn. They are not on welfare..She's a stay at home mom. And runs her house like a army camp :) Kids are always clean,have food on the table, and they go to church every Sunday. The whole road thinks she's super mom. She's like a modern day mom hero lol.

Answer 6

I know what show you are talking about and it really comes down to the older children having to help with the younger ones. I personally don't think that it's fair that the older kids carry so much responsibility for the younger ones. However as long as the parents aren't on public assistance so that I am paying for their kids, and are provide a loving and stable home, I figure it's none of my buisness.

Answer 7

You can be good parents. It is a differetn life for the kids then being an only child. You tend to by more easy going and the kids are raised to help out more and not be spoiled. It is totally do able. I know someone that had 9 boys... never did get that girl, lol

Answer 8

I am the second youngest of five, and I'll tell you, it is not easy making ends meet. I think the reason people can do this is because they have a spouse that they can rely on to help out when they need help. When all five of us were little, my parents worked together to keep all of us together and under control. Now that we're all grown up, it's easier because we can make decisions on our own, and we have more freedoms. We are responsible young adults, and our parents have trust in us that we will make the smart decision and not do anything stupid that we'll regret doing later.

Answer 9

Moms with lots of kids like that are very busy but many of them like it that way thats why they have lots of kids. They are busy and going all the time and usually stay home with the kids some even home school. I think that family with 15 kids are amazing but they keep their kids away from bad infuences by home schooling and no TV in thier house.

Answer 10

It's actually easier to handle more kids. They tend to preoccupy each other. So you aren't actually giving all of them your constant attention. It is still stressful, though.