Instagram posts of huge families

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It certainly is an accomplishment to raise such a large family. If you don't like the content don't click it. It wouldn't be of interest to me, but good for them and apparently some people want to watch it.

No, it's not.

It is definitely an accomplishment to raise a large family, provided they are all well-cared for. I sure as hell couldn't do it.

It's the well cared for bit that is a huge caveat. All the families I know with 5 or more kids have multiple kids who I do not consider well cared for. Older children who were turned into mini adults at age 8 to help care for younger kids, and whose education, socialization, and sometimes even health were neglected. Special needs going undiagnosed. Many health issues that smaller families would deal with going ignored -- even if you have a decent amount of money or low COL, braces for 5 or more kids might be out of your budget, especially if you've got kids starting college (assuming they even get to go) or kids in diapers when this is happening.

These families get lulled into thinking they've figured out the financial piece because they have a SAHM so they're like "we're home free! no childcare costs!" and they often don't consider all the many, many costs that most kids incur as they get older.

I also think often kids are emotionally neglected as well. One thing that happens in huge families is that there will be a few kids who kind of rise to the top because they do well without a ton of support. Then one or two problem kids whose issues require a lot of focus (behavioral issues at school, or significant special needs). Then all the kids who don't fall into those two categories get ignored.

I know of four families like this within my extended family, and of them, three are absolutely damaging their kids. The last one seems to be doing well, but if you ask those kids in 20 years, I bet some would say the big family was awesome and at least one would say it ruined their life.

As a parent, you are only as successful as our kid who struggles the most. Huge families almost always have at least one kid who struggles a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It certainly is an accomplishment to raise such a large family. If you don't like the content don't click it. It wouldn't be of interest to me, but good for them and apparently some people want to watch it.

No, it's not.

Most posts here consider 3 an enormous effort.

These families are generally setting the bar for raising their kids on the floor, which would not be acceptable to most here. You don't have to put in a ton of effort for a lot of kids if you don't really care about their emotional needs, do the bare minimum to keep them from going hungry, and of course have no delusion they succeed academically beyond being able to read and do math at a 5th grade level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why my Instagram feed keeps sharing these insane posts of the mom with each of her 10 children walking by her one-by-one, as if there's some huge accomplishment? Usually they end with the announcement that surprise, there's another one on the way! Or weirdly announcing how old the mom was when she gave birth to each child?

Obviously there's some sort of audience for this, but I do not understand it. At all.

Who cares? I spend maybe 10 minutes a month on instagram or social media. I have three kids and I’m in my 30s. I could spend loads of time there but it’s stupid. Move along.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It certainly is an accomplishment to raise such a large family. If you don't like the content don't click it. It wouldn't be of interest to me, but good for them and apparently some people want to watch it.

No, it's not.

It is definitely an accomplishment to raise a large family, provided they are all well-cared for. I sure as hell couldn't do it.

It's the well cared for bit that is a huge caveat. All the families I know with 5 or more kids have multiple kids who I do not consider well cared for. Older children who were turned into mini adults at age 8 to help care for younger kids, and whose education, socialization, and sometimes even health were neglected. Special needs going undiagnosed. Many health issues that smaller families would deal with going ignored -- even if you have a decent amount of money or low COL, braces for 5 or more kids might be out of your budget, especially if you've got kids starting college (assuming they even get to go) or kids in diapers when this is happening.

These families get lulled into thinking they've figured out the financial piece because they have a SAHM so they're like "we're home free! no childcare costs!" and they often don't consider all the many, many costs that most kids incur as they get older.

I also think often kids are emotionally neglected as well. One thing that happens in huge families is that there will be a few kids who kind of rise to the top because they do well without a ton of support. Then one or two problem kids whose issues require a lot of focus (behavioral issues at school, or significant special needs). Then all the kids who don't fall into those two categories get ignored.

I know of four families like this within my extended family, and of them, three are absolutely damaging their kids. The last one seems to be doing well, but if you ask those kids in 20 years, I bet some would say the big family was awesome and at least one would say it ruined their life.

As a parent, you are only as successful as our kid who struggles the most. Huge families almost always have at least one kid who struggles a lot.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It certainly is an accomplishment to raise such a large family. If you don't like the content don't click it. It wouldn't be of interest to me, but good for them and apparently some people want to watch it.

No, it's not.

lol what?? Do you hate women?

No. She hates herself because she hasn’t had a date in a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It certainly is an accomplishment to raise such a large family. If you don't like the content don't click it. It wouldn't be of interest to me, but good for them and apparently some people want to watch it.

No, it's not.

It is definitely an accomplishment to raise a large family, provided they are all well-cared for. I sure as hell couldn't do it.

It's the well cared for bit that is a huge caveat. All the families I know with 5 or more kids have multiple kids who I do not consider well cared for. Older children who were turned into mini adults at age 8 to help care for younger kids, and whose education, socialization, and sometimes even health were neglected. Special needs going undiagnosed. Many health issues that smaller families would deal with going ignored -- even if you have a decent amount of money or low COL, braces for 5 or more kids might be out of your budget, especially if you've got kids starting college (assuming they even get to go) or kids in diapers when this is happening.

These families get lulled into thinking they've figured out the financial piece because they have a SAHM so they're like "we're home free! no childcare costs!" and they often don't consider all the many, many costs that most kids incur as they get older.

I also think often kids are emotionally neglected as well. One thing that happens in huge families is that there will be a few kids who kind of rise to the top because they do well without a ton of support. Then one or two problem kids whose issues require a lot of focus (behavioral issues at school, or significant special needs). Then all the kids who don't fall into those two categories get ignored.

I know of four families like this within my extended family, and of them, three are absolutely damaging their kids. The last one seems to be doing well, but if you ask those kids in 20 years, I bet some would say the big family was awesome and at least one would say it ruined their life.

As a parent, you are only as successful as our kid who struggles the most. Huge families almost always have at least one kid who struggles a lot.

I mean… it’s been my experience observing small families of 1-2 kids that there are often kids who fail to thrive as adults or as children, special needs are neglected, etc. it’s not at all true that all big families have these problems, and if they have a kid or two who has problems…. how is it attributable to their family size? I find this especially strange post in light of all the research coming out on the harmful effects of helicopter parenting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I click on them because I’m curious how they
afford them.

They sell essential oils.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Im fascinated by big families! I only have one child, and I dont have instagram, but if I did im sure I would watch this content! Its just such an odd concept to me to have more than say 5 kids. How do they feed them? Where do they live? What type of activities do they do? Are the kids happy? I have so many questions. I dont know any of these families in real life, so I can understand that their might be a market to view from afar (and judge).

Here: I have six so I'll answer some of your questions. Two are step kids that live with us full time, and two are adults and out of the house so we have four at home. Our table seats ten and the kids take turns having to set the table and play sous chef, and we live in an apartment. Three share a room, and one has a (small-ish) room to themselves. They do the activities they like - one does a lot of plays, one does dance and school newspaper, etc. They are overall happy, and like all kids get upset sometimes. I am not on Instagram and can't imagine putting my kids on there publicly for strangers to see/judge, or to make money off my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Im fascinated by big families! I only have one child, and I dont have instagram, but if I did im sure I would watch this content! Its just such an odd concept to me to have more than say 5 kids. How do they feed them? Where do they live? What type of activities do they do? Are the kids happy? I have so many questions. I dont know any of these families in real life, so I can understand that their might be a market to view from afar (and judge).

Here: I have six so I'll answer some of your questions. Two are step kids that live with us full time, and two are adults and out of the house so we have four at home. Our table seats ten and the kids take turns having to set the table and play sous chef, and we live in an apartment. Three share a room, and one has a (small-ish) room to themselves. They do the activities they like - one does a lot of plays, one does dance and school newspaper, etc. They are overall happy, and like all kids get upset sometimes. I am not on Instagram and can't imagine putting my kids on there publicly for strangers to see/judge, or to make money off my kids.

So, the kids are crammed in one room and have to do everything themselves like cook. They only get basic school activities. I think you just proved the concerns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Im fascinated by big families! I only have one child, and I dont have instagram, but if I did im sure I would watch this content! Its just such an odd concept to me to have more than say 5 kids. How do they feed them? Where do they live? What type of activities do they do? Are the kids happy? I have so many questions. I dont know any of these families in real life, so I can understand that their might be a market to view from afar (and judge).

Here: I have six so I'll answer some of your questions. Two are step kids that live with us full time, and two are adults and out of the house so we have four at home. Our table seats ten and the kids take turns having to set the table and play sous chef, and we live in an apartment. Three share a room, and one has a (small-ish) room to themselves. They do the activities they like - one does a lot of plays, one does dance and school newspaper, etc. They are overall happy, and like all kids get upset sometimes. I am not on Instagram and can't imagine putting my kids on there publicly for strangers to see/judge, or to make money off my kids.

So, the kids are crammed in one room and have to do everything themselves like cook. They only get basic school activities. I think you just proved the concerns.

Lmao. Basic activities! Horrors!

[Anonymous]

I think all social media that is based on children is awful - regardless of 1 or 10.

There clearly is a large audience of people who like a voyeuristic look into the lives of others so when they see a family exploiting their child(ren) for views and money they take advantage of that chance.

I think all social media should have a law that no channel / page etc can show children more than 10% of the time.

If you don't click on them and on youtube you can say not to show channels like this - they do eventually leave your feeds for the most part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Im fascinated by big families! I only have one child, and I dont have instagram, but if I did im sure I would watch this content! Its just such an odd concept to me to have more than say 5 kids. How do they feed them? Where do they live? What type of activities do they do? Are the kids happy? I have so many questions. I dont know any of these families in real life, so I can understand that their might be a market to view from afar (and judge).

Here: I have six so I'll answer some of your questions. Two are step kids that live with us full time, and two are adults and out of the house so we have four at home. Our table seats ten and the kids take turns having to set the table and play sous chef, and we live in an apartment. Three share a room, and one has a (small-ish) room to themselves. They do the activities they like - one does a lot of plays, one does dance and school newspaper, etc. They are overall happy, and like all kids get upset sometimes. I am not on Instagram and can't imagine putting my kids on there publicly for strangers to see/judge, or to make money off my kids.

So, the kids are crammed in one room and have to do everything themselves like cook. They only get basic school activities. I think you just proved the concerns.

Lmao. Basic activities! Horrors!

This poster isn't really parenting.

[Anonymous]

I don’t get these showing up in my social media . At all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It certainly is an accomplishment to raise such a large family. If you don't like the content don't click it. It wouldn't be of interest to me, but good for them and apparently some people want to watch it.

No, it's not.

It is definitely an accomplishment to raise a large family, provided they are all well-cared for. I sure as hell couldn't do it.

It's the well cared for bit that is a huge caveat. All the families I know with 5 or more kids have multiple kids who I do not consider well cared for. Older children who were turned into mini adults at age 8 to help care for younger kids, and whose education, socialization, and sometimes even health were neglected. Special needs going undiagnosed. Many health issues that smaller families would deal with going ignored -- even if you have a decent amount of money or low COL, braces for 5 or more kids might be out of your budget, especially if you've got kids starting college (assuming they even get to go) or kids in diapers when this is happening.

These families get lulled into thinking they've figured out the financial piece because they have a SAHM so they're like "we're home free! no childcare costs!" and they often don't consider all the many, many costs that most kids incur as they get older.

I also think often kids are emotionally neglected as well. One thing that happens in huge families is that there will be a few kids who kind of rise to the top because they do well without a ton of support. Then one or two problem kids whose issues require a lot of focus (behavioral issues at school, or significant special needs). Then all the kids who don't fall into those two categories get ignored.

I know of four families like this within my extended family, and of them, three are absolutely damaging their kids. The last one seems to be doing well, but if you ask those kids in 20 years, I bet some would say the big family was awesome and at least one would say it ruined their life.

As a parent, you are only as successful as our kid who struggles the most. Huge families almost always have at least one kid who struggles a lot.

I mean… it’s been my experience observing small families of 1-2 kids that there are often kids who fail to thrive as adults or as children, special needs are neglected, etc. it’s not at all true that all big families have these problems, and if they have a kid or two who has problems…. how is it attributable to their family size? I find this especially strange post in light of all the research coming out on the harmful effects of helicopter parenting.

I'm anti-helicopter parenting, but it's just a numbers game that it's easier to meet the needs of 2 special needs kids than let's say, 9. Love is infinite, time, money, and resources are NOT. I also don't think you can divorce family size from WHO is having and raising these 10+ kids in 2024. If we're taking about Insta and most of these families with 10+ kids? They're fundies. They fundamentally neglect needs for a greater purpose of reproduction to please God. It's cult-like. Look at the Collins Kids this week walking around wearing fetus t-shirts proclaiming themselves pro-life at 1 year old. It squicks. We've seen enough of people coming from these kind of environments to know it's...not great. Did we learn nothing from the Duggars?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know why my Instagram feed keeps sharing these insane posts of the mom with each of her 10 children walking by her one-by-one, as if there's some huge accomplishment? Usually they end with the announcement that surprise, there's another one on the way! Or weirdly announcing how old the mom was when she gave birth to each child?

Obviously there's some sort of audience for this, but I do not understand it. At all.

The irony of your last statement

Touche!! It's true, I always pause to watch with...horror? Fascination? I don't know, but I always feel super icky after. I imagine the whole production; getting all the kids ready, having someone film it, and then what? I've even clicked on the comments, and the mom is clearly reading all of them, ignoring all of the questions about how they feed their children, and only answering other people who chime in with their large family stories/pregnancy announcements. It's just so bizarre and grotesque, but I can't look away.