Life as a Dad of Eight: Honest Answers to Your Burning Questions
When I tell people I’m a father of eight kids, their reactions range from awe to sheer disbelief. “How do you do it?” they ask, as if parenting a small army requires some secret superpower. Spoiler: It doesn’t. But it does involve a lot of trial and error, endless coffee, and a masterclass in chaos management. Over the years, I’ve fielded countless questions about life in a big family. Today, I’m answering the most common ones—no filter.
“What’s a Typical Day Like in Your House?”
Imagine a cross between a three-ring circus and a well-rehearsed orchestra. Mornings start early (think 5:30 a.m.), with staggered wake-up times for school-aged kids. Breakfast is a rotating menu of cereal, toast, and whatever fruit hasn’t mysteriously vanished from the fridge. By 7:00 a.m., we’re in full “shoe-finding, lunch-packing, did-you-brush-your-teeth?” mode.
After school, our living room transforms into a homework hub, soccer practice carpool station, and snack-time chaos zone. Dinner is a strategic operation: We cook in bulk—think lasagna pans the size of skateboards—and embrace leftovers like they’re gold. Bedtime? Let’s just say it’s less of a strict schedule and more of a phased approach.
“How Do You Afford to Raise Eight Kids?”
Let’s tackle the elephant in the room: money. Yes, raising eight children is expensive, but it’s not the financial apocalypse people assume. We prioritize needs over wants, buy secondhand whenever possible (kids outgrow clothes faster than you can say “growth spurt”), and take advantage of sibling hand-me-downs.
Budgeting is nonnegotiable. We meal-plan, use loyalty programs for groceries, and rarely eat out. Vacations are usually camping trips or visits to family. But here’s the thing: Kids don’t need extravagance to be happy. Some of our best memories are backyard picnics or movie nights with homemade popcorn.
“Do Your Kids Get Enough Individual Attention?”
This one stings a little, because every parent worries about spreading themselves too thin. The truth? It’s a balancing act. We carve out one-on-one time by involving kids in everyday tasks—like letting a younger child “help” with dinner prep or taking a teen out for coffee while running errands.
We also lean into group activities that foster connection. Family game nights, shared chores (yes, even the toddlers “fold” laundry), and weekend hikes let us bond as a unit while sneaking in those individual moments. Does every kid get undivided attention daily? No. But they learn the value of teamwork and know they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
“What’s the Hardest Part of Having a Large Family?”
Two words: logistical nightmares. Forget quiet dinners; even a quick trip to the grocery store requires military precision. Then there’s the emotional toll. When one kid is struggling, it’s easy to feel pulled in eight directions. I’ve had to accept that I can’t fix everything instantly—and that’s okay.
Another challenge? The stereotypes. People assume big families are either ultra-religious, “reality TV chaotic,” or both. We’re neither. We’re just a bunch of humans figuring it out, same as everyone else.
“What Surprised You Most About Parenting So Many Kids?”
How wildly different each child is. You’d think by kid 5 or 6, you’ve seen it all. Nope. Every personality, interest, and learning style keeps us on our toes. One child might thrive on routine, while another rebels against it. One loves math; another lives for art. Adapting to their unique needs has made me a more patient, creative parent—and a lifelong learner.
Another surprise? How much they teach me. My kids have shown me the power of resilience, the joy of curiosity, and the importance of laughing at yourself when you accidentally pour orange juice into your coffee (true story).
“Any Advice for Parents Considering a Big Family?”
1. Let go of perfection. Your house will be messy. Plans will fall apart. Embrace the chaos—it’s where the magic happens.
2. Build a support network. Friends, family, neighbors—they’ll save your sanity on tough days.
3. Teach independence early. Kids who can make their own sandwiches or solve sibling squabbles are lifesavers.
4. Celebrate small wins. Got everyone to school on time? Survived a stomach bug outbreak? You’re winning.
5. Remember: Love multiplies. Your heart expands with each child. There’s no “limit” on affection.
Final Thoughts
Being a dad of eight isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, making mistakes, and trying again tomorrow. Some days feel like a victory lap; others, a comedy of errors. But through it all, the laughter, the noise, and the occasional chaos, I wouldn’t trade this wild ride for anything.
Got more questions? Fire away. After eight kids, there’s very little that surprises me anymore.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Life as a Dad of Eight: Honest Answers to Your Burning Questions