6 Kids

I don't know that I would THINK anything..... except that maybe you are crazy!!!!!! lol. But I have one daughter who is 11 and I like it that way, so it's a completely different lifestyle. My ex-SIL had 5, and liked it that way. She thought my lifestyle was completely boring..... so, to each his own.

You get it from both ends.... my sister is 38 (and quite gray) and just had her first kid....ALREADY she gets people at the store that tell her if she'd started earlier she could have more than one and that they're glad everything worked out ok because she waited so long.

I also would probably make myself a t-shirt that says.

"Under 30. Been married 10 years to the same man. And yes, they're all his". And then just be done with it.
Or get the kids all matching tees that say "we all have the same daddy, what about you guys?"
But I'm a smart a$$ like that!!!!!!!!!

I would not bat an eyelash- I live in Utah, large families are staple here. Growing up, most families I knew had 5 kids on average, and many in my extended family have 8. So I might give you mental props, because 6 seems more challenging than my 3, but I would not think it is weird or anything.

Most people I know who grew up in a large family loved it- they all say there was never a dull moment, always someone to play with, and lots of laughs and fun, and they generally try to recreate that when they start having kids.

I honestly would just think - "how does she do it!!". I feel stretched to my limit with 2 kids... I am debating #3 but I truly don't think I could handle it. So if I saw you I would love to pull you aside and ask HOW you do it?? How do you get them to sleep? How do they fit in a car? Good for you! What an awesome family and you'll have so much love around you forever!

I would probably think, "One, two, three, four, (oh, are they twins?), five, six. Six kids. I wonder if that's the mama. She looks about my age. That's unusual for our area. I wonder how that is for her. Oh look! The salami is on sale! Hmmmm. I think I will get horseradish too. And a baguette. Etc."

;-)

Sorry, but I think - WOW she has WAY too many kids. Doesn't she know that 7 billion are way more than our planet can handle? And hasn't she heard of birth control? Doesn't really matter to me if she looks 29 or 49. Of course I don't actually SAY anything - but you did ask.

I would think that you didnt waste any time....lol! Seriously, i am kidding. I have been one to receive harsh comments on here. (i have been on here for a few years.... warning.... lately it is a little rough)

I was a young mom also. I think we worry about what others feel. I had my 4th when i was 26ish....

I just turned 35. It is a whole new outlook. Do not worry about what others feel. Do what works for you, hubby and kids. I know that you know what i mean. As long as your little family is happy and healthy, no outside opinion should matter.

I always wanted 6! That was my magic number when i was growing up. Welcome to mamapedia!! :)

Dana K. WOW! i guess we are all welcome to our opinions. Sooo, the earth, population, etc are supposed to DICTATE how many children we are allowed to have? Have you ever thought for a minute, that some of us moms want a few. Not only do we want a few, we love them, cherish them, make sure that they are happy and healthy beings and raise them beautifully? Yes, there are some that overpopulate and raise poorly. WHY should that stop the ones that do raise well. (i am not talking dugger size family) BUT, why even with four should i be judged. SO WHAT it is not the norm. I always wanted a few children. I have the patience, love.... etc. i am raising accets to the society IMO.

Oooooh,..... i have never posted like this on here. Well, at least i said how i feel. Pleaswe dont judge us for having 4 or 6 kids.... if we are raising those kids happy and healthy... it should be NO ONE elses business!!

I don't judge!

When I was a kid (Sister was 11, I was 9) we got taken away from our parents and luckily my cousin took custody of us. She was also young but looked even younger. Eventually she had 2 girls of her own and the youngest was born with a very rare disease (Goldenheirs Syndrom ?sp?) that resulted in her having skin tags on her face and one eyelid didn't form and was essentially a ball of skin in the corner of her eye and one corner of her mouth didn't close either and sadly and honestly it looked harsh and a bit scary...anyway, we were all at Target once when I was a teen and the baby was just itty-bitty, I think like 8 mos old and we were waiting in line to check out and a couple of mean ladies that were in front of us just kept starring at us and whispering amongst themselves...then eventually they said loud enough for all to hear "That's what she gets for having all those kids at such a young age and they are obviously not all from the same father...pathetic! Tramp deserves that deformed baby".....

Can you believe that?! My heart sunk and I have never felt worse...it was embarrassing to me and heartbreaking to my poor sweet cousin who did nothing wrong but love us and take us in when we needed her and be unfortunate to have her youngest baby be born this way...it is something I will never forget or forgive!---I am happy to report that the deformities were all fixable and that sweet lil' baby (who now looks just like her Mom, my cousin, Shelley) is a strikingly beautiful petite lil' blonde haired, blue eyed grown 21 y/o today!

I learned right then and there that some people are just plain nasty and what they don't know, they just don't know and that people like that who judge so harshly are not to be worried or fretted about...it's just not worth it! They can go suck it!

~Please don't let people bring you down or make you worry like this...let it go! They don't know anything about you or who you are!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIP Shelley
I will always love you!

It really depends on their appearance. There were two families in our parish with similar aged kids. One had six and one had seven. The mom with seven always had them clean and presentable, they were well mannered, the older ones without question would help with the younger ones, they were a wonderful family.

The family of six looked like homeless kids, they smelled, they stole from other kids, they were always looking for handouts, they were awful kids and the were the talk of the parish. They got the if you can't handle them, if you can't raise them properly you have no business having so many, comments.

So I guess what I am saying is in my world, if it appears you have it under control, no one raises an eyebrow. :)

Oh I wanted to add, random stranger, I wouldn't even notice, well unless their kids are climbing the walls but those kids are hard to not notice even if there is only one. ;p

When I see any mom with more than 3 kids I think she is crazy LOL. Really - I do! It's because I have 3 and I just cannot imagine having anymore kids. I am already at the end of my rope :). So, I would not think anything of your age, I would just think you are nuts. Oh, and I would look to see if all the kids looked alike ;)

total honesty here - I would think to myself, "Mormon or Catholic?"

well i haven't read your responses but i can only imagine...lol. i will preface mine by saying i'm sure you're a lovely person. but as a mother of 1 myself i know how hard being a good mom can be, and i take the job VERY seriously. i will be completely honest. my son is my life and being a mom takes hard work. having six would be six times harder. it's too important a job to spread myself (and our finances) so thin. i don't agree with it in this day and age. again, being completely honest (because i will not sit up here and pretend to be mother theresa) i would have to stamp down some judgment. but that's only because i know how hard it is. like all moms i constantly wonder if i am doing this right. i can't imagine deliberately setting myself up for a job 6x harder. it's too important to me.

then there's the whole population, resources argument....which i do agree with parts of too, but i won't get into that.

i hope these answers don't scare you off. i am perfectly fine you having your opinion, i don't begrudge you that, or your children. of course, no one has EVER said, "i wish i'd had one less." they're precious little miracles, every one of them. but...you did ask our opinions :) god bless!

We have 8 grown children and got may questions about whether I gave birth to all, if we were a blended family, etc., etc. I didn't let it bother me. Our children were well behaved and that changed people's opinions often. In order not to sound too ancient I won't tell you the ages of our children now. :-)

EDIT: To Wendy H we always got the question if we were Mormon or Catholic. :-) We are neither!

Actually, when I see someone with a bunch of kids I don't necessarily assume they are all mom/siblings.
But if I saw you and yours and I KNEW the situation I think my first thought would be, what kind of car do they drive? The whole car seat thing must be a little bit crazy!

I wouldn't think anything about you, I'd get to know you first then form an opinion. Don't worry what anyone here or anywhere else thinks of you. There's always going to be ignorant people, it's best to IGNORE them! Just live your life. Welcome to Mamapedia and best wishes! :o)

I would be in awe of any woman who took six children anywhere whether they were her's or not! If they were all behaving she would have my absolute adoration! I wouldn't even know if they were all yours if I saw you and I wouldn't ponder it. I think you might get looks bc you are brave enough to take them all out somewhere at the same time!!! Plus when my husband and I decided to have a third we got a lot of comments about it. I mean, it is only 3 for crying out loud! But it seemed to us that people thought having more than two was crazy, so who knows what they think about six. I think it's awesome!!

honey, dont be surprised when someone tells you have too many kids, people tell me i have too few kids.. i have one. i merely look at the person in question and ask them did their mother not care enough about them to teach them good manners. they retreat back under the table and i get back to my little one, how many kids you have is between you, the deity of your choice, and your other half, anyone else who offers their "opinion" on the subject is just being rude.
K. h.

I wouldn't say anything and many of my thoughts would be like other posters' but I also would think it's selfish to have that many kids given the impact on the earth and the environment. And of course it's my business. i live here too and so will my 2 children. I'd like them to feel comfortable having 2 kids themselves vs being too scared to bc the earth's resources are being consumed at a pace that's not sustainable for their kids to then have kids. I just think about the future of all generations.

Around here... I'd think you were hosting a playdate / they weren't all yours (bio + step kids as another alternative).

If I knew they were yours... awesome. I've always liked big families, myself.

Well, I had 4 kids by the age of 27. So, if my husband didn't get a vasectomy then, I'd be about where you are. I'm 30 now. I don't know, I like big bunches of kids. We only didn't have more because of financial reasons. I love the dynamics of a big family. I would probably just watch for a few seconds. I'm always curious how people handle that many or more. As for your age? I look young, too so I try not to make judgements based on that. I like seeing young (adult) mommies.

I would think, "That's too many kids!!" Maybe, it's because we're happy with one, and we're done. It would be a fleeting thought, not really a judgmental thing. I personally just don't understand why people want big families, so it's simply coming from a place of not understanding. I wouldn't think anything of your age.

** I would never, ever tell a large family that opinion. It's just rude, and when it comes down to it...it's you're choice, and none of my business!!

My first impression if someone looked 25? Seriously??? It'd be "Oh----do the mothers of those children know the babysitter is taking them on errands around town?" If I saw you at the zoo I'd think "Fun babysitter!" because I didn't even think about marriage until I was 27 and didn't have my first baby until 31...so it just wouldn't be on my radar. That said, I actually HAVE been in childcare and took the children (with written permission) to all kinds of great field trips, so that's what I'd think. It's not a judgement, but we often don't see things as they are but as WE are.
If I knew they were your kids, it'd just be "wow". That wow could mean "You look that young (meaning in our society "good") with all these children, then I sure can't complain about how tired I am with 2". If they look well cared for and they're behaving, it'd be super impressive and I'd think of young Maria and all the kids from Sound of Music and then walk away with "My Favorite Things" in my head. If they weren't behaving or looked uncared for, I'd feel bad for everyone: kids, mom, dad. Because sometimes I get overwhelmed with my 2.

LOL well I'm an Irish Catholic and we have kids by the half-dozen so...I would just assume that you were one of us. We have 4, but I was a surrogate to twins too and could have had many more if we could afford it, but we can't so we're happy with the number we have.

If I see a large family out and about, as long as they don't look like way too much for the parents to handle or are clearly living in poverty, then I usually smile and think "God bless them." My dad is one of 7, his mom is one of 7, he has more than 20 first cousins, I have 4 siblings and 11 first cousins, I have a friend who is one of 12, another friend is one of 7, several are one of 5 (like me), etc. I think large families are great if the parents can handle them.

my first thought would be "oh god, that poor women!" LOL!
but it sounds like u are happy, so dont worry about it.

most people probably just think you are really religious and dont believe in birth control. plenty of that around here.

For me, it would depend on whether or not the children are well-behaved and look like they are fairly clean.

Sometimes, I see an angry mom at the grocery store with dirty kids who may or may not be wearing house slippers and pajamas. I think to myself, "this woman should not be having so many children."

Then there are other times I see a mom with a bunch of well-behaved kids (there is a family that I see around town all the time that have at least eight kids) and I think to myself, "She is so lucky!!!" Often when I see a mom with more kids than me at the grocery store whose kids are being good, I compliment them because I know how hard it is to shop with three kids.

I am jealous of people who have a lot of kids. I came from a family of four kids, and we all wanted more so we could be like the Brady Bunch :-) I have three kids, and if I were younger, I would probably want one more. I envision Thanksgiving and Christmas years from now when we have a house full of happy kids and grandkids. It puts a smile on my face.

If you get smiles from strangers like me, it is because we marvel at how you can survive daily life with six kids. You are rich in family.

Updated

For me, it would depend on whether or not the children are well-behaved and look like they are fairly clean.

Sometimes, I see an angry mom at the grocery store with dirty kids who may or may not be wearing house slippers and pajamas. I think to myself, "this woman should not be having so many children."

Then there are other times I see a mom with a bunch of well-behaved kids (there is a family that I see around town all the time that have at least eight kids) and I think to myself, "She is so lucky!!!" Often when I see a mom with more kids than me at the grocery store whose kids are being good, I compliment them because I know how hard it is to shop with three kids.

I am jealous of people who have a lot of kids. I came from a family of four kids, and we all wanted more so we could be like the Brady Bunch :-) I have three kids, and if I were younger, I would probably want one more. I envision Thanksgiving and Christmas years from now when we have a house full of happy kids and grandkids. It puts a smile on my face.

If you get smiles from strangers like me, it is because we marvel at how you can survive daily life with six kids. You are rich in family.

I was 27 when I adopted my niece (not due to infertility) and to me that was young. I have spent the better part of 30 years trying to *not* get pregnant. I would probably think "how does she fit them all in the car" or "Mormon or Catholic" as mentioned below. If it works for you and you can provide them with everything they need than super. For me one child and the life we live is perfect. Sure, everyone is different and that is great!

My very first thought..."woah, that's a lot of kids". But, I am one of 5 kids and my husband is one of 6 so it doesn't totally weird me out. I wont give you any kind of "look" unless your kids are acting up...and I give ANYONE that look, so no worries there! lol
I don't care how many kids someone has....and truth be told I don't even care if you are getting any kind of government assistance. I don't care to know if you planned having that many or if they were accidents. I don't care if you know about birth control or not. I don't care if they are all his. I don't care if you are mormon or catholic.
I have enough to worry about with my own three kids than to worry about yours! lol
Keep your head up mama! I haven't read what anyone else wrote, but I am sure there were some snarky answers. Just brush it off.
L.

I would be blessed to see you. How lovely to see a young mom with her sweet children. I understand the looks. When I was younger, I got them also. Even when I only had one. I was told I was "too young to have *that*." Although I was 25, I was told I looked 13. LOL I now have 6. People still give me looks, but I seldom have them all with me, as we all have various directions we head sometimes. My oldest will be 20 in a couple of weeks. ;)

I'm so jealous! I will be 45 on Sunday and didn't even MARRY for the first time until I was 30...older than you! Had my 2 kids in my mid-30's. Would have LOVED to have gotten married right out of high school and started having kids...but it wasn't meant to be. ANYHOO...to answer your question, I don't know that I would think anything. I generally don't judge people...until I know them...LOL! =)

ETA (Edit to add): I laughed at what Wendy H said..."mormon or catholic" because besides Salt Lake City, Gilbert is the second largest Mormon population in the U.S...so ya, that's probably why I said I wouldn't think anything...I see young moms CONSTANTLY with tons of little ones and just "assume" they are all theirs. =)

My first thought is...GOOD FOR HER!

My second thought is...Why wasn't I made to have such a large family? I would like to have more children but I can hardly handle the 3 I've got. I become envious of women who have large families and do a darn good job raising them all! So again I say...GOOD FOR YOU and God Bless!

I would assume you were older than 29, babysitting or married a nan who had kids already . I'm 30 with 3 and I thought that was fast!

More power to you, if I had the money I'd fill up a little clown car too!

I would think -there goes one lucky gal-I lost one of my children-otherwise that would have been me. God bless all of you!

Honestly, I might be a little envious. Mine are soon to be 10 and 8 this summer and I always thought I would have more, but things got easier when they got a little older and then we just stopped and decided no more baby phase, which is fine for us. I admire moms who have large bunches :) and can handle it as well. If you look young, I might think that the younger ones are yours and the older ones are neices and nephews or something. I sometimes have my neice and nephew over and we go do stuff, so that means I'm with (this past winter) a 4 yr old, 6 yr old, 7 yr old and 9 yr old. It's a handful and by the end of the weekend, I'm glad to send them home to my brother and SIL!!!!!!

So here is the post.

I always think Wow how lucky is she. I have 4 and love my little family. I have friends with 8 and above. It's a riot to be at their house.

We also always count the stickers on the back of van/SUV windows. I have 7. One for each of my kids, my husband and I, and one for my foreign exchange daughter.

I always like to count heads when I see more than three. I am sure I am caught in the process. No opinion, just a good thought of, Holy Moly!

As for people saying things to you and asking questions, that is an age & respect thing. I had my oldest daughter at 15 and I had every lecture, comment, look, and most often staring. They would ask how old I was when I had her, how old I was at the time of the quiz, what was I thinking, what was I doing, did I finish school, what I should have been doing...you name it. Really, it was none of their business because they didn't know my situation!

My younger daughter came along 22 years later. For a short time, people would ask if I didn't mind them asking my age. Fast forward six years later and no one dares to ask. So obviously I am old enough now that they have no business asking and they know it, but why do people think it is okay to quiz a young person? I don't understand. Now if I had walked around bewildered asking for advice, well that would be different. But I always worked and took care of myself and my daughter.

It must be that they can see it my eye that I would tell them it is not polite to ask peoples age.

Honestly my first thought is usually "how can they afford that?" because I have two kids and between my husband and I, we make great money, and we still struggle to keep up with all the expenses that kids bring. Honestly, if I had more than two or three, I know my kids would have to start making sacrifices like braces & orthodontic care, college funding, etc., and I think that's pretty selfish.

But on the flip side of the coin, a child never 'suffered' because they had to sacrifice (barring any medical conditions, of course), in fact, my older brother and I grew up with no money, and we had a perfectly normal childhood, we just had less 'stuff' than our peers. In fact, I think that gave us more character than children who have/had the best of everything. I would have liked to have been able to have braces, though.

So yeah, overall, I do find it selfish. I also find it wonderful. Some of the most wonderful people I know come from huge families, and some of the most self-centered, spoiled people I know come from small ones. And vice versa.

It all depends on parenting. You sound like a great Mom, so who cares what anyone else thinks?

Anytime I see a mother with her well behaved slew of children... I look at her in awe and amazement. I quietly praise her and wish her well.

I agree with some of the other mothers, make sure you can care for them, financially and emotionally. We have 3 children, and I'm pretty sure that I am done, (though, I would be proud to say that I am a mother of 4) mostly because I feel stretched to the limit and I want to give them all that I can. If we had one more, I'm afraid that I would not be able to balance them all and keep my sanity ;) But that's just me... that's why when I see other mothers with 4 or 5+, I am borderline dumbfounded. "How does she do it?!"

I am 28, and when I was pregnant with my youngest many people asked if it was my first. ;) You should've seen the look on their faces when I said, "Nope, it's my 3rd". Priceless.

What are you gonna do?
Do right by your children, prove judgmental people wrong. But in some of those peoples defense, they may just be on the same page as me: wondering "how".

Good luck to you!
KATIE

Unless they all look similar I would think you are babysitting.

My first thought would be "that's a bunch of kids to tote around.... and they're probably not all your kids." My second thought.... I probably wouldn't have one because I'm usually busy and have more important things on my mind than the number of somebody's kids.

I would think you were the babysitter

If I heard them call you mom, I would think "I hope she's not on welfare". I do have a problem with people having kids they cannot afford.

One of my BFF is 29 with 4 kids (8, 7, 3, 2). She's been married almost 10 years & only stopped having kids cause her husband said no more. Her husband has a great job & they are a wonderful Christian family.

Do you plan on having anymore?

I'm sure your family would draw my eyes. I would hope not to stare, but I might. I don't mean that in a bad way. Any family of four kids or more is unusual, where I live, and I am always fascinated by larger families. My mom had four kids from age 18 - 22 (yes, same dad), so that's how I grew up. I just know that I wasn't cut out for that, I know my limitations! and I waited until my two stepkids were teenagers before I had my one at age 40.

i would be doing the 'i'm not worthy' bow<G>.
so this is the question that set off the firestorm, eh?
well, i'm going to answer and THEN go read the responses. this should be fun.
i come from a mormon family and our family was BFFs with a catholic family. so i always thought families with less than 5 were weird. but my mother loved mothering, loved being pregnant, wanted only to be a SAHM and was good at it. worked out terrific, until she died leaving 5 kids, including a 3 month old, with a workaholic alcoholic dad.
of course, not the sort of thing you can plan for.
despite the hardships, i'd say that a family that loves lots of kids, is financially and psychologically prepared to handle them, is golden. what makes some of us scratch our heads is when people choose to have large families and then cannot support them, or crack under the pressure of having all those needs to meet, or load up the older kids with the entire burden of raising the littles (which is how i see the duggars coping.) of course in big families everyone has to help out. but kids should get a childhood too.
that's above and beyond the 'world resource' aspect which is significant.
so, my first impression of you would be 'dang! good thing she's young and energetic enough to cope! oh, aren't they lovely? it sure does look like fun.'
:) khairete
S.

I love big familes so most likely, I would smile at you and say Hi! I think as long as someone is taking care of their kids properly, who am I to judge? (whether they have 1 child or 15). That is your buisness, not mine. But I love to see big families, so it doesn't bother me a bit.

Honest first impression if you appear 25 and your oldest is and looks 8 or older..."She started young" and "Better her than me". Now, if they are all well behaved, I would also be thinking "Good for her!".

I had my son when I was 19 but I too looked very young. Two years later when my younger sister was in the hospital having her baby (she was also 19), I was 21 and the nurses thought I was not old enough to be visiting (you had to be 14 or the sibling of the baby being born)... YAY ME!

If you can handle it, more power to ya! My first thought would be wonder woman!! Then I would think man I bet she is tired :) personally I only have 2 and they are 10.5 years apart and that's how I like it! There's no way I could of handled 2 lil ones close in age. I am a twin and after I had my last baby 5 years ago I asked myself how in the world my mom took care of us by herself! My daughter didn't sleep and I was a zombie for nearly 2 years! As much as I love my kids I don't want anymore! I worry too much. I kind of get the same looks but because im young. I had my son at 17 so he is nearly 16 and I just turned 33. I've been asked if he was my boyfriend or brother. You can imagine the looks my son gives em!! I am younger than most if not all of his friends moms so yep I get some weird looks but I don't care!! Good for you and your babies!!

I have 7 living children and one on the way at age 44, and yes I am Catholic! I also have the option, as a Catholic, to refrain from having them with good reason and sound NFP. But I like this saying best: "What other people think is none of my business!" What God thinks is. You are my hero. God Bless

Honestly, I usually count the children and go "Wow". I'm a "one and done" mom, and have worked with young children for twenty years. I know what you are doing is a commitment and a lot of work (and, sometimes, fun) for both you and your husband.

Good for you for doing it young. My son was a blessed surprise after years of miscarriages, and I was 36 when I had him.

My feelings about large families have mellowed over the years. I think that if a family can afford to keep and feed all of their children and are having those children because *they* want to (not to prove a point), good for them. If it's to get those kids on screen for a reality show or something, well, I don't have many polite opinions about that!

I would think you were the babysitter too. Or you have 3 kids and your husband has 3 and you have 6 together. But, honestly, Im usually pretty busy with my own kids to mind someone elses business.
I have 3 kids and people look at me like I they feel sorry for me or they need to help me. Little do they know, I got this!! Almost down to a science. Booya!

But, really at the end of the day, who cares what people think? You were blessed with 6 beautiful children. Thats just a lot of love!

as long as they dont run infront of my basket at walmart, i could care less, adn as long as their not screming at the resturant, and your just sitting there with a look on your face like help me, or if they dont play outside by them self and are destructive and are just bad kids, I dont care. but that goes the same for somebody with 1 child.
I really hate when im, trying to hurry in the store with mine, and especially if im rushing to the restroom and I have to pee real bad, and im pregnant and people have their kids just running all infront of the basket, just happend yesterday. uggg. I have hit like 2 kids so far this year, just random walking, and BAM... out of no where...

Mormon. So many Mormons here, that's all that would occur to me, particularly if you were younger looking.

I am turning 31 in August and am due with my 6th in mid-October. My oldest just turned 7. I've come to the conclusion that I will always wonder what people think of me no matter how hard I try not to because it's just human nature. There's no way to not call attention to yourself when you go out in public with all your kids (kudos to you by the way. It's hard work). There's no way to fly under the radar--you will be noticed and it sounds like you're an awesome testament to being a hard-working and loving mother. I'm not going to lie, I've fantasized about telling people off when they ask me things like, "did you mean to do this?" or "you're done, right?" especially in front of my kids. The fact is, I could never explain my life to anyone in a few sentences standing in the middle of the grocery store. And the truth is, I never should. It's between me, my husband, and God. I just try to smile and give the shortest answer possible. I have to constantly make an effort to not get hung up on what others think or how I appear to others. So, I guess my answer to your question is, first, I'd probably wonder how similar your situation is to mine and how similar the ages of our kids are when I saw you, but, second, it doesn't matter what I'd think because there's nothing more personal to a husband and wife than the ins and outs of their family life. Congrats to you and keep up the good work!

I'd think: I'll bet she sleeps well at night!

I am pregnant with #5 (3 of my own and a stepson) and I would probably wonder if they were all yours. Then I would wonder what kind of car you drive and how big your house it- NOT because I wonder if you can afford them, but purely from a logisitics point of view and because those are the things I think about for my own family.
When I go out with all four kids and am obviously pregnant, I get a lot of looks. Some are nice and some look at me with disgust. The ever popular comment is- "I hope you're having a girl this time!" And "Will this be your last?" and my personal favorite, "You do know how that happens, right?" I even had some lady come up and ask me if all my kids had the same dad!!!- they DO, but they don't look alike at all. When you go in public with multiple kids, people just feel like they have a license to say whatever pops into their head without thinking.

I wouldn't have any thoughts other than being a little jealous :)

Congrats on all your little ones ~ you sound like a fabulous Mom. I can only imagine some of the comments and looks you get! I have often taken my two boys and my two nephews out and about (their ages are 8,7, 5 and 3). It is SO much fun, but I do get a lot of looks/comments.

My first impression is GOD BLESS YOU!! I think it would be awesome to have the patience and stamina for six kids!!! I would have loved to have a big family like you but two was enough for me. So now I run a preschool and get to play mommy, or (grandma lol!! at my age) to many many children without the sleepless nights, and worry!!! As long as you and your husband are able to support, love, and raise these children it is no ones business but your own. Good luck to you and your beautiful family!!

my first initial thought would be wow! how does she do it? then it would be gone and i wouldnt give it another thought.

Hi, V.:
It would be a shock for me to see a young woman with 6 children
in today's world. As long as they are well behaved out in public, I think
it is really special to witness that. If they aren't, then I wonder why the person had so many children they didn't know how to discipline.
If you are a Mennonite, it is not unusual to see many children with their parents.
Good luck with your family.
I think it is special to raise loving children.
All the best.
D.

LOL I think sadly alot of us do wonder if they are all yours, or "his". This society has made most of us think that way I guess. I try to tell myself though, that I don't know anyone's situation and frankly it's none of my business! But hey, good for you! You sound like you have a happy family, and that's all that matters! Who cares what the public thinks! God knows what their life is really like!?

You will hear no criticism from me. I married at 27 and had my first at 31. I have 3 and that's all I can handle as a stay-at-home, home schooling mom. I'd have likely had 1 more if I was younger, but it just doesn't seem prudent at age 38 to plan to have more. I don't have the energy or desire to go through the baby stage again now that my youngest is 2 and starting to sleep through the night.
You have your hands very full---of blessings that is. Enjoy every moment and don't let the stares and opinions of others dampen your joy. I'm one of 7 children and my brothers and sisters are truly the best friends I have on this earth. Nurse Midwife Mom

April & Jo W pretty much covered what would go through my mind. Our former Pastor and his wife have 6. The youngest (the only boy) was born when she was about 32, so still young, but not as young as you--though she looks fantastic I might add. They are wonderful kids. Very cutely dressed and clean, well behaved kiddos. A pastor we had previous to that (in another denomination) also has 6 kids. Also clean, well behaved, helpful thoughtful and funny kiddos. Both these women AMAZE me.

OTOH, I know a woman with 4, who doesn't have her kids under control at all, who every time I see them at least one (if not several) have unwiped noses and are otherwise dirty, missing shoes, etc. And I am pretty sure they would be thrilled to have more.

If you can manage it and be a good parent, then yay for you and you are amazing! If you can't keep up with the work load (and I know that kids is work, despite how worth it it is), then I would think you shouldn't be adding to it.

If your kids were well behaved and not doing something to garner undue attention at the store, I probably wouldn't even notice, though. The ones I tend to notice are the ones with one kid, or two kids who are terrors at the store and their parent doesn't bother to change their diaper or wipe their dirty nose. (and I don't mean, they have a cold and just didn't get the tissue in time, I'm talking about the ones that have obviously gone without wiping for a WHILE--it gets really dirty and dried on, ugh).

When I was in high school I knew 2 families that had 13 kids each. I have 4 kids and people think that's a lot, I wanted 6. Personally I feel that it's no one's business. I also think kids do better if they come from big families they learn socalization skills faster and better. They learn to share--everything because they have to.

I had triplets at 28. I got many assumptions that I was babysitting. I even had a cop ask me if I had a license to have a daycare. When people hear I have been married more than 20 yrs (married young) and have triplets, they automatically add years to my age even though I look younger than I am. Thanks a lot. :P

I try not to make an assumption. The only issue I have had was when people that moved into our neighborhood had a lot of kids (one woman has 9, all under 12 yrs old) and do not watch them and let them run wild. Or when I got to the store and mom is not bothering to ntice her kids are wild in the toy aisle while she is shopping. I have seen this when 1 or 5 kids are there so not really depends on how many kids you have. How many kids you have is your choice--and not so much if you have a surprise or 2 like I do. It is how you handle them and raise them that matters.

I had the same problem when my kids were little. They were 5,4 and new born. I am small and weighed about 110 pounds. Went to the store with my husband and all three kids. An old fellow kept staring at me and finally asked my husband, "Is she the mother of these kids?" to which my husband replied, "Yes, she is." The old gentleman then said, "She don't look old enough to be out of school yet." I just smiled and kept shopping. Made my day.

i'd be thinking, "she's got her hands full, she must be exhausted." Then i'd probably ask how old they are, comment on how lovely they are, and ask if you needed a hand (2 in a store can be a trial!)

My first impression would be "I wonder if those are all hers?" I would probably think they are yours + some friends. If I knew they were all yours I would have a mix of relief that it's not me and jealousy that it's not me b/c 99% of the time I think people with that many kids are a little nutty but, secretly, 1% of the time, I wish I had a big family too. Mostly, I would have complete awe wondering how you do it. I have 1 teen and 1 toddler and I'm tired!

I get strange looks and I have 3!

My neighbor has 7 and she is loony. Only because she spends her days yelling and screaming at the kids, doesn't watch them like she should IMO (a 1 and 3 year old should not play outside alone), can't afford her bills, etc. If she was a different person, I'd say go for it! I don't judge her, I just avoid her. Being friends with her is not only toxic, but always turned into (can you keep my kids so I can____.)

I think you sound like you've got it under control!! Good for you!!

I am also 29 and have 3. That's perfect for my husband and I. My kids are almost 9, almost 7, and just turned 5. So you just had 2 more pregnancies after I did :). I consider myself an amazing mom, and know I could do it with more, if that's what we wanted.

I think people probably look more for the fact that it's a lot of kids, not in a judging way. When my kids are active, people say "you've got your hands full" and if I'm at the end of my rope I take it wrong...like they are judging my kids, when really they are probably sympathizing with me.

Don't sweat it. If you know you're a good mom and your children are well provided for, you're golden!

My first impression would be, "wow, where does this lady get the energy to care for such a large family." Whether they are all your biological children, you have a blended family, or a different situation, I must admit, I admire your strength to have those kids and raise them. I could NEVER have that many kids. I love my 3 children with all my heart, I'd give up everything for them...but, I would be way too exhausted both physically and mentally to care for a large family. I give you lots of credit!

Kudos to you...you go girl!:)

i have no problem s with families having many kids....as long as you can keep them in check. i usually have 5 kids with me as i watch my cousins kids too but i have never gotten strange looks only people ask are they all yours or which ones are yours, how many do you have. i don't get offending by peoples questions though, never have. i enjoy them and enjoy even more asking others some of my own. people are just curious about what they don't know, and that's something we must remember, they DON'T know us or our circumstances. enjoy your family:)

My first thought - how does she do it? I only have one and I miss my sleep as it is! :) Unless your kids are a tornado of destruction wherever you go, people who give dirty looks can go pound sand :P

Dear V.,

Congratulations! I have many (MANY!) friends who have 6, 7, or 8 kids. One of my friends just announced her 9th pregnancy. Now, most of them are not as young as you are, but some of them are. Know that you're not the only one getting the looks and weird questions! To answer your actual question, though, if I were to see you out and about with them, if you're as young looking as you say, I'd probably assume some of them were daycare kids, or friends of your children mixed in with your own. If I could tell by looking or listening for a minute, though, I'd be happy for you. My husband and I are the "slackers" among our friends, having "only" 4 of our own. I would have loved having 1 or 2 more, but it's apparently not to be. Enjoy them, and if necessary, just make up a funny answer to the questions you know you're likely to get! Don't get defensive; I've found that often feeds the disapproval. You can also try, "Of course they're all his--why wouldn't they be?" or "We're just getting started--talk to me in a couple of years!"

My first thought would be that they were daycare kids, but I would not judge you if I was to figure out they were all yours. It is rare for someone as young as you are to have six kids but it does happen. A couple at a church that I knew had five kids by the time they were thirty.

My First honest Impression "Poor Baby!" then, second thought, wow how does she do it? I commend her, somebody give her a medal!

To those of you who are saying, as long as they are well behaved in public, well i say shame on you. I have never known a kid to be well behaved because they are in public because thats "how its supposed to be". I think it is amazing that you can go out with all your kids and if one of them is having a bad day I and I happen to see you in the store my thought is, I have been there. I am 27 and my step-daughter is almost 13 so always get a big bug eyed stare when I tell strangers how old my kids are, they presume I had a kid at 15 and I usually don't tell them any different. If they want to judge me without knowing the circumstances then let them! You do your thing and don't worry about what people are looking at or thinking, you aren't trying to be friends with everyone!

My thoughts would be that's a small family...just teasing.

My BFF through jr high and high school and beyond was one of 12.

Most of my friends all have more than 5. I think out of my closer group only one has 2. I was only able to have my one daughter. So my family is smaller.