Yorkshire Farm with 9 kids.

[parchworkpatty]

Now on Channel 5. Fabulous fabulous family. I grew up on a farm and reminds me of my childhood (only 2 siblings though)

So lovely to see children all mucking in as a family. And parents that don't restrict learning and adventure on 'what if' health and safety. Great balance between love , nurturing and freedom. Both parents have got it spot on !

Well I really enjoyed that programme. I could watch more than 4 episodes

I loved it too.
Noticed the lack of screens and the more traditional games etc which I think is great.
Be scary if someone got ill with roads closed though.

They should be wearing helmets, that is irresponsible. And my family are farmers.

Agree about the helmets, made me very nervous that bit.

Quad bikes are dangerous I suppose but your hair would turn white if you saw some of the things we did as farm kids. Tunnels in bales... Driving tractors at 10 etc etc

I think the comparison with what we'd say if they were parenting this way on a council estate.

Plus, the long day for the secondary school age children. In her book, she says the eldest was offered state weekly boarding, but they declined. I worry that her responsibilities for the farm and other children may have restricted her access to education.

I found the book a bit smug! So won't be watching this.

I too have been aware of the family for many years through lots of different tv appearances.

Isolated life brought to your screen.

Did anyone see tonight's episode? I still can't believe she has had 9 children she looks amazing!

Love the idea of their lifestyle and how the kids look out for each other, it looks idyllic! Slighty concerning about the hospital distance and the nearest shop being 40 mins away though!

Love this programme! I could watch far more than 4 episodes of this. I'm so impressed with Reuben - what an incredible young man he is.

I agree that it seems idyllic and I'm also impressed with Reuben.

Couldn't help noticing that the baby was hardly strapped in in the car though

derxa I agree, I have farmers in my family. But generally most farming parents are now more careful than in the past with their kids. Quad bikes are dangerous, helmets should be worn.

Couldn't help noticing that the baby was hardly strapped in in the car though
I thought all the children's seat belts looked dodgy.

I agree about Reuben, he is great. In last night's episode Amanda mentioned twice that the older girl looks after the little ones but, from what they showed, Reuben seemed to do more. He was lovely teaching the little girl to feed a lamb. The girl (I can't remember her name) only mentioned that she liked dressing them up - I wonder if it was her idea for the little girl to wear a princess dress climbing over dry stone walls. . I did like that, a princess dress and wellies shows a balance of practicality and imagination imo.

Well yes I agree all the seatbelts were dodgy, no booster seats.

Even if it's a bit staged they do seem incredibly good natured and content. Impressed at the dad for going from being a 42yo batchelor to a 60+ with 9 children and being calm and affectionate. And the way mum is constantly encouraging the children to learn and feel confident.

the mum

I absolutely adore this programme. What a lovely family, how they all muck in is amazing. Such a hard, but I imagine a fulfilling life. The children are such a credit to them. I think they are all fantastic.

Just watching the first one on catch up. First thoughts are what happy kids they all are, even though they got hardly anything for Christmas, they were so grateful.

I like the mother's way of speaking to the children. I feel the same about how both parents speak to the kids in Escape to the Chateau. Very positive

I watched last night and loved the lambing. The kids were brilliant with the pet lambs

It was heart warming seeing the mother of the stillborn lamb adopt the rejected lamb. Must have been a relief for that lamb to have the too tight fleece taken off!

Just started this; it's charming.

They have a really special life don’t they? All the kids thriving doing their many jobs. Despite the hardships, being employed in a meaningful and busy life, lots of outdoor activity, animals to care for, living in a beautiful location is the key to a happy existence isn’t it? The dad in particular is amazing.

We saw the family being filmed in September, at the Muker Show in Swaledale. Amanda looked rather glamorous and yes amazing after 9 kids. We visit that area quite a bit and have known about them a long time, have been to their farm where they were advertising teas but unfortunately nobody home just then. My BIL met her about 10 years ago when he was luckier with the tea thing.

Glamorises farming life.

Really? I wouldn’t call what I saw glamorous. In fairness it didn’t show them mucking out or being shat on, and as yet the reality of taking the lambs to slaughter. Or when a kid gets really ill and you’re a long drive through treacherous terrain to a hospital. But the kids looked grubby and you could see the whole thing was hard work. Plus they mentioned the difficulties, such as the mothers labours.