Multiple (and I mean MUltiple!) children families...

I got sucked in to the television tonight after Aaralyn went to sleep watching The Learning Chanel (TLC, do you guys have it?)... The Duggars (you know the ones with 17/18 kids) have a reality show... they are really quite interesting people, very religious and strong to their faith (the WHOLE family, well not the babies maybe lol) the show tonight was about the oldest son proposing to his girlfriend after having "courted" her... no kissin, no nuthin till their wedding day... only hand holding... seemed to work for them (so far) ... That show is called 17 Kids And Counting ... doesn't seem like there stopping having em any time soon either!

Next show was about the Casons Called Kids By The Dozen... 13 and one on the way for that family! I really like this family, they are really down to earth, normal, Dad works, Mom stays home and works her butt off! The kids all seem normal, well rounded....

It's been a while since I've really just sat and watched adult tv (even if it is cheesy reality programming), it's been quite entertaining!! and enlightening! I think I'll just stick with my one, but bless all those who have large families! Maybe in another life for me

edited to say... I don't know about there in the UK, but back in my Grandparents time and previous, it was nothing to have 10-18 kid families... they were living off the land alot more back then too, but the regular people didn't have a lot of money, I don't know how they did it but I think there's something to be said about a poor family that is rich in love and closeness woops did I just get all mushy??

We have the learning channel for bits of the day, I have never watched it.It is just a new thing.

We had a programme on the other day about young girls (and boys) who went to special ceremonies and saved their selves for the wedding day, they didnt even hold hands. Need to be very strong in your faith to do that, I love a good cuddle and kiss

I agree about the duggers, they are very interesting people and are a very strong family, I would just get confused with all the J's!!!!!

That must be the programme I've seen, where they school them at home? and have to take the seats out of their mini bus to get the food shopping? Is that the family? I couldn't do it myself but they seem happy with their choices. I guess that the older ones help the younger ones so the mum isn't doing everything. I'm not sure how that would work for alot of families in society as children growing up are away from home more with their friends but as they tend to stay together I expect they are very supporting of each other.

Yep, i have seen it too, well not those episodes but the programmes. It was the same here for large families years ago. People had lots and lots of children! It does sound idealistic in a way and i have always wanted a big family if i am honest but we are planning on sticking with 2 as we just don't have the space or money for more. I know we would cope if it 'happened' but i also like the idea of the kids not having to struggle too much for things they need/want (although they wouldn't get it handed on a plate) or to have to struggle for our attention. Although families did have huge families in years gone past i think it wasn't so much wanted as unpreventable to a certain extent. They certainly didn't have the contraception choices we have today, and what they did have wasn't as reliable. The mothers (and fathers) tended to die much earlier, (i suppose from exhaustion, and all the wear and tear on the body?) the amount of children that died during childbirth or infanthood was massive too. People very rarely gave birth to 18children and had 18live children left when they themselves died. I can't imagine what a hard life it must have been for them.
Sorry may have got a bit carried away there, recent history is a subject i find very interesting! Xx

I know my great grandma was one of 19! My mums side was very fertile I think, my mum is one of 5, and as far as I know my grandma had a few brothers and sisters but as far as I know many died in childhood My granddad was one of the first men in the country to have a vasectomy!!

Martin has 3 brothers and 3 sisters, but he doesn't want a large family, which is OK with me lol, we decided George was our last.

I think if people want big families, then good for them I know I couldn't do it though!

When I was younger, i constantly complained about wanting a big family even at times when I couldn't get along with my two siblings. But when we had family gathering and all the cousins got together there were about 10 of us and we were a big happy family. I think it is easier to get a long when there are so many of us. I don't know about living in a house with 17 people though...that is a little too much.