Assumptions about larger families

[Haribojoe]

Am currently 11 weeks pg with DC4. Planned and much wanted pregnancy, and have always been very open about the fact that DH and I would loe to have 4 children.

Now that I am at the stage where we are telling people about the baby I find myself feeling embarrased about the assumptions they will make about us because we've got a larger than average family.

Proven last night during conversation with a friend, I mentioned a family across the road with 5 DC to which my friend replied "bet they don't work"

Just wondered if anyone has felt the same and any tips to deal with it. I want to really enjoy sharing my news with people as I'm thrilled but I can't get over this concern of what people maybe thinking/assuming about our family/situation.

I would never be rude to anyone who chose to have a large family. I just think "rather you than me", but if it is what they want I am happy for them.

We found that comments were worse when the children were very young, as they are growing they have calmed down a bit.

We still get the "are they all from the same father" question, which makes me wonder what people think of me as they are all 18 months apart!!!!

We have also had people ask if we work and own our own home, even from people like school staff and health visitor/midwives. I love their expression when I say that YES they are all from the same FATHER and YES we both work in professional jobs and YES we own our own home. Although I have been tempted at times to say that I am not quite sure who their father is, especially when asked several times if they have the same father by the same person!!!

We also have had nice comments though especially when the kids are all well behaved and angelic!!

People usually assume I am crazy, very very brave, or a childminder but yes it does get easier as they get older. When I had 4 under the age of 5, I could count the jaws dropping as I walked through town. Now I often don't have them all with me, and with 4 on the loose I dont get chance to see other people's reactions.

Don't worry about what other people think. I usually just shrug it off now and tell them I am a glutton for punishment!