I’m a Dad of 8 Kids—Ask Me Anything!
Hey there! I’m the father of eight amazing kids, ranging from a teenager to a toddler. Over the years, I’ve been asked everything from “How do you keep everyone fed?” to “Do you ever sleep?” Let’s dive into the questions I hear most often—and a few you might not expect.
—
“How Do You Manage Time with So Many Kids?”
Time management is less about rigid schedules and more about flexibility. Here’s the truth: chaos is inevitable, but routines save the day. Mornings start early (5:30 a.m. for me), and evenings end late. We prioritize family meals, homework blocks, and bedtime rituals. But the real secret? Teamwork. Kids help with age-appropriate chores—even the littlest ones fold laundry or set the table. My wife and I tag-team responsibilities: while she drives the older kids to soccer, I handle bath time for the younger ones.
Pro tip: Embrace imperfection. Some days, the house looks like a tornado hit it, and that’s okay. Survival mode is valid!
—
“Does It Ever Feel Overwhelming?”
Absolutely. Imagine eight voices asking for snacks, homework help, or bandaids—all at once. Meltdowns happen (sometimes mine!). But here’s what keeps me grounded: perspective. When things get wild, I remind myself how fleeting this phase is. The toddler who won’t stop climbing the furniture today will be graduating high school tomorrow.
I also lean on humor. Last week, my 4-year-old tried to “cook” by microwaving a crayon. Instead of freaking out, we laughed it off and turned it into a science lesson about melting points.
—
“How Do You Afford It?”
Let’s get real: raising eight kids isn’t cheap. But we’ve learned to stretch every dollar. We buy in bulk (hello, Costco!), embrace hand-me-downs, and rarely eat out. Birthdays are simple—homemade cakes and DIY decorations. We prioritize needs over wants, and the kids understand that “no” is part of life.
Surprisingly, having more kids has made us more resourceful. For example, a single rotisserie chicken becomes three meals: sandwiches, soup, and stir-fry. We’ve also mastered the art of free family activities—hiking, library visits, or backyard movie nights.
—
“Do Your Kids Get Enough Attention?”
This one stings because every parent worries about it. Here’s how we tackle it: one-on-one time. Each child gets a “date night” with Mom or Dad once a month. It could be a walk to the park, a milkshake run, or even helping me fix a bike. These moments matter more than quantity; it’s about making them feel seen.
We also encourage siblings to bond. Older kids mentor younger ones, whether it’s teaching math or braiding hair. It’s not perfect—they argue over Legos like tiny lawyers—but they’re learning empathy and teamwork.
—
“What’s the Hardest Part?”
Guilt. Always guilt. Did I spend enough time with each kid? Did I lose my temper too quickly? Am I setting a good example? Parenting is a constant balancing act, and with eight kids, the stakes feel higher.
Another challenge? Logistics. Ever tried packing eight lunches before sunrise? Or remembering which kid has a dentist appointment on Tuesday? We rely on shared calendars, sticky notes, and a lot of deep breaths.
—
“What’s the Best Part?”
The love multiplies—it doesn’t divide. Watching siblings protect each other, share inside jokes, or rally around a sick family member is magical. Holidays are a blast: imagine eight handmade cards on Father’s Day or the chaos of a living room pillow fort.
I’ve also learned resilience. When you’re outnumbered, you adapt. I can now change a diaper one-handed, mediate a sibling feud mid-phone call, and cook spaghetti for ten in 20 minutes.
—
“How Do You Keep Your Marriage Strong?”
Date nights are non-negotiable. Even if it’s just takeout after the kids are in bed, we protect that time. Communication is key: we check in daily, even if it’s a 10-minute chat while folding laundry.
We also give each other grace. Some days, my wife handles 90% of the parenting load so I can catch up on work—and vice versa. Marriage isn’t 50/50; it’s showing up when the other person is at 20%.
—
“Would You Recommend Having a Big Family?”
It’s not for everyone, but here’s my take: if you value chaos, laughter, and life lessons, it’s worth considering. You’ll learn patience, creativity, and the true meaning of “unconditional love.”
But be honest about your limits. Big families require sacrifice—less personal time, tighter budgets, and endless laundry. If you thrive on quiet and order, think twice.
—
Final Thoughts
Parenting eight kids has taught me that love grows with every child. Yes, it’s messy and exhausting, but the joy is immeasurable. To anyone considering a large family: trust your capacity to adapt. And to fellow parents in the trenches—you’re doing better than you think.
Got more questions? Drop them below—I’ve got stories (and advice) for days!
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » I’m a Dad of 8 Kids—Ask Me Anything