“I’m a Dad of 8 Kids—Ask Me Anything!”
Let’s get one thing straight: When people hear “eight kids,” their eyes either light up with curiosity or widen in horror. As a father of a large family, I’ve heard it all—“How do you afford groceries?” “Do you ever sleep?” “Is your house pure chaos?”—and I’m here to answer every burning question (and maybe even a few you didn’t know you had).
1. “How Do You Manage Time with Eight Kids?”
Time management? Let’s call it survival strategy. With kids ranging from toddlers to teens, my calendar looks like a Tetris game. Here’s the secret: Routines are sacred. Breakfast at 7 a.m., homework after school, dinner together at 6 p.m., bedtime rituals—no exceptions. Chaos thrives in unpredictability, so we stick to the script.
But flexibility matters too. Last week, my 5-year-old declared herself a “unicorn princess” and refused to wear anything but a tutu to the grocery store. Did I fight it? Nope. Some battles aren’t worth losing 20 minutes of peace.
2. “How Do You Afford It?”
Money talk, huh? Let’s break the myth: Big families aren’t necessarily broke. We’re just really good at budgeting. Think bulk shopping, hand-me-downs, and mastering the art of “no” to nonessentials.
Example: Vacations aren’t Disney cruises; they’re camping trips or visits to Grandma’s. We prioritize experiences over stuff. That said, yes, our grocery bill could fund a small country’s avocado toast supply. Pro tip: Learn to love coupons and store brands.
3. “What’s the Hardest Part?”
Guilt. Yep, you read that right. With eight kids, someone always needs something—homework help, a band-aid, a pep talk—and I can’t be everywhere at once. My 12-year-old once asked, “Dad, did you forget I exist?” after I missed her soccer game. Ouch.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Kids don’t need perfection. They need presence. Even 10 minutes of undivided attention—no phone, no distractions—can mean the world.
4. “Do You Have a Favorite Child?”
Trick question! The answer is yes… depending on the day. Kidding! (Mostly.) Each kid brings something unique. My oldest is my mini-me, debating politics at the dinner table. The 7-year-old is a budding comedian who’ll roast you with a single eyebrow raise. The baby? Pure sunshine in diapers.
Favoritism isn’t the issue; fairness is. We tailor parenting to each kid’s needs. One might need extra math tutoring; another might thrive with more independence. It’s not equal—it’s equitable.
5. “How Do You Keep Your Marriage Strong?”
Date nights? Try “surviving the grocery store alone together.” Romance in a big family looks different. My wife and I steal moments: Coffee at 6 a.m. before the tornado wakes up. Texting memes during pediatrician appointments. Tag-teaming tantrums like WWE partners.
Communication is nonnegotiable. We have weekly “business meetings” to discuss schedules, gripes, and who’s handling the next midnight vomit cleanup. Teamwork keeps us sane(ish).
6. “What Surprised You Most About Parenting Eight Kids?”
The noise. Oh, the noise. Imagine a blender, a car alarm, and a karaoke machine having a party 24/7. But also: The love multiplies, not divides. When the 10-year-old teaches the 4-year-old to tie shoes, or the teens rally to babysit so we can breathe? That’s magic.
Another shocker: Kids are resilient. Lost toys, scraped knees, sibling squabbles—they bounce back faster than I do.
7. “Any Advice for Overwhelmed Parents?”
First: You’re not failing. Even on days when you serve cereal for dinner or hide in the bathroom for five minutes of silence. Second: Ask for help. Swap babysitting with friends. Delegate chores. Let Grandma spoil them rotten.
Finally, laugh. A lot. When the toddler paints the dog purple, or the teen dyes their hair green “for science,” lean into the chaos. These are the stories you’ll retell at graduations and weddings.
The Bottom Line
Parenting eight kids isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s messy, loud, and exhausting. But it’s also hilarious, heartwarming, and full of tiny moments that make the chaos worthwhile. Got more questions? Bring ’em on. After eight kids, I’ve got stories for days… and maybe a few survival hacks to share.
P.S. If you’re considering a big family, buy stock in coffee and earplugs. You’ll need both.
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