I’m a Dad of 8 Kids—Here’s What You Really Want to Know
Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, I have eight kids. No, my wife and I didn’t “plan” for a small army. But here we are, navigating bedtime routines that resemble a circus act, grocery bills that could fund a small vacation, and a house that’s always one missing sock away from chaos. People often stare at me like I’ve just revealed I’m training for a Mars mission when they hear the number eight. So, let’s answer the burning questions you’re too polite (or shocked) to ask.
“How Do You Even Manage Time?”
Time management with eight kids isn’t about perfection—it’s about survival. Picture this: Our family calendar looks like a Jackson Pollock painting. Sports practices, doctor’s appointments, school projects, and the occasional “Mom, I glued my fingers together” emergencies all collide. The secret? Routine, delegation, and a lot of coffee.
Every Sunday, we hold a “family summit.” The older kids get assigned tasks like helping with homework or folding laundry (spoiler: it’s never folded). The younger ones have simpler jobs, like “keep the dog from eating LEGOs.” My wife and I split roles based on who’s less likely to lose their patience that day. We also swear by shared digital calendars—because losing track of a dentist appointment means someone’s eating applesauce for a week.
“Does It Ever Feel Like You’re Broke?”
Let’s just say Costco knows us by name. Raising eight kids on a middle-class budget requires creativity. Hand-me-downs are a religion here. The baby wears clothes that have been through three siblings, and I’ve become a master at repairing bike chains and resewing buttons. We buy in bulk, cook massive batches of food (chili is a household staple), and prioritize experiences over things.
But here’s the truth: Kids don’t need the latest gadgets or designer clothes. They need attention, laughter, and a sense of belonging. We’ve learned to stretch dollars by focusing on what matters—like family game nights or hiking trips where the only cost is gas and granola bars.
“How Do You Give Each Child Enough Attention?”
This is the question that keeps me up at night. With eight personalities under one roof, someone’s always feeling overlooked. Our solution? One-on-one “micro-moments.”
Every week, each kid gets 15 minutes of undivided time with a parent. They choose the activity: a walk, a board game, or just ranting about their math teacher. It’s not much, but those minutes add up. We also encourage sibling bonding—like pairing older kids with younger ones for homework help. It builds teamwork and gives us a breather (parenting hack: let the 12-year-old teach fractions).
“What’s the Hardest Part?”
Guilt. Always guilt.
You feel guilty when you’re too tired to play catch after work. Guilty when you mix up names (yes, I’ve called my daughter “Alex” even though her name is Emily). Guilty when you realize the toddler’s been wearing mismatched shoes for three days. But here’s what I’ve learned: Kids are resilient. They don’t need a flawless parent—they need one who shows up, apologizes when wrong, and keeps trying.
The other hard part? Laundry. So. Much. Laundry.
“Do They All Get Along?”
Ha! Imagine eight different opinions on what to watch, eat, or play. Our house alternates between sounding like a sitcom and a courtroom drama. Sibling rivalry is real, but so is their loyalty. Last week, my 7-year-old took a punch from a classmate who insulted his older sister. I had to lecture him about violence while secretly wanting to high-five him.
We teach conflict resolution by letting them work out small disputes themselves (within reason). Bigger issues? Family meetings where everyone gets a voice. It’s messy, but it works.
“Would You Recommend Having Eight Kids?”
Depends on the day. On chaotic mornings when someone’s crying over lost homework and another’s yelling about toast being “too crunchy”? Absolutely not. But then there are moments like last Christmas, when my oldest taught her little brother to ride a bike, and the whole family cheered like he’d won a gold medal. Those moments are magic.
Having a big family isn’t for everyone. It requires flexibility, humor, and a willingness to embrace chaos. But if you’re someone who finds joy in noise, mess, and love that multiplies instead of divides—it’s worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Parenting eight kids has taught me that love isn’t a finite resource. There’s enough for every scraped knee, every late-night heart-to-heart, and every “I’m sorry I forgot your field trip.” It’s exhausting, hilarious, and deeply humbling.
So, if you’re debating whether to have another child or just curious about life in a full house, remember this: Kids don’t need a perfect parent or a Pinterest-worthy home. They need someone who’ll stay up late talking about their dreams, laugh at their terrible jokes, and remind them they’re part of something bigger.
Got more questions? Trust me—I’ve heard them all. Fire away!
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