17 kids and counting

[bambinibop]

Anyone watching?

Oh no

Very sad for them.

It doesn't matter how many children you have, the loss of a little one hurts so much.

Child benefit isn't available if one partner earns over £60,000. Dad appears to own the bakery so might be making decent money (I seem to remember in previous one they said he goes to work at 3am, comes back to help with school run then back to work).

They seem a chilled out couple, who don't seem to lose their rag with the kids despite the noise etc. As a SAHM the kids will have mom there when they get home from school until bed, so although they'll have to share her they probably get more time with her than where mom/dad come in late and kids are soon to bed. Attention doesn't appear to be an issue.

I'd rather have loving parents like that in society than those with one or two who are mistreated and unloved.

Someone upthread said it seems like they get lots of attention and they all seem happy.

This is not how they have come across in previous programmes. The kids all seemed to be screeching and shouting all the time and seeing this in the pre-school ones was heartbreaking...they were walking around with bottles in their mouth wanting attention but Mummy was too busy with the current baby to be able to give any time to the poor screeching toddler at her knees. There was utter chaos in the house

The children interviewed were also very aware that they were not getting enough attention at all.

They do seem to of come across better in this programme. They do seem a very lovely couple and no doubt do love all their kids...they just spread themselves too thinly

Child benefit is definitely not available to all because we're not eligible and I have a 4 year old and 1 year old...

I feel so sorry for the children. They definitely don't get quality time.

I feel very sorry for them

For losing the baby I mean

I do too. It must have been very hard.

Was it just a one off programme then not a series?

A one off I think

Can we not derail the thread by talking about benefits?

Can we not derail the thread by talking about benefits?

They really are a lovely family, bless them.

lucjam - they have been filmed for the past 3 years.

I think they are amazing and regardless of what interpretation was deemed from the previous 2 episodes, I think the love they have for their children and the love they get in return is wonderful.

Sadly, people will always judge.

Just to point out to those who make the assumption Noel earns a pittance on a 'bakers salary' that he actually owns a rather successful bakery and shop.

I'm in awe! I find one hard, she's Wonder Woman, and not a single stretch mark.

I can't put myself in her shoes, wanting that many kids. I've not seen previous programmes about them but they seem like a lovely family.

Talking about benefits isn't derailing. This is a thread about a big family, which happens to survive on benefits to a certain degree.

I cried when she lost baby Alfie. That was heartbreaking for them.

Sorry, I didn't realise it was derailing. Life doesn't happen in a vacuum, and money definitely doesn't. Of course people are curious about how it's funded, and they present themselves very publicly with a television programme and blog that brings their family choices to the fore. I hope I wasn't being benefit bashing at all, but do believe it's relevant to bring up in a thread.

Ohmychrist how do you know they survive on benefits?

Loving family, who own their own house and dad works hard to support his family. They all look clean and happy, and clearly loved. Very sad to loose a baby no matter how many you have.
I hope they know that they are respected by so e of us

They do seem like a nice family and am in awe. However, in this eposide its clear they heavily rely on the older girls. Such a shame chloe cane home from uni and Sue was delighted

They "survive on benefits " no more than any other family with a parent who works does.

He works. Benefits shouldn't really matter here!