What's it like with 6 children?

[loganberry22]

Hello

I've recently joined mumsnet. We have 5 beautiful children aged 8, 6, 5, 3 and 11 months. Baby number 5 was conceived when I was still breastfeeding number 4 and on the mini pill so a surprise but a lovely one at that. Hubby and I decided 5 was definitely enough so I went on the 99.7% effective depo provera, 1st injection was in June and I've always got them on time. After 2 weeks of horrendous nausea I took a pregnancy test and it's positive this is even more of a surprise than number 5!

We are quite delighted but I'm looking to find out from other 6+ mums what it's like? We have a 7 seater but do we need a mini bus now! I was worried how I would cope with number 5 but she fitted in perfectly I'm hoping number 6 will be the same!

Thanks for reading

[harrygracejessica]

We have 5 but as they are all young we got a 9 seater ford tourneo and it's great (except when it breaks and curtosy cats don't normally come in that size!!)

[OhWhatNoooow]

We have 5 and drive a toyota previa which has 8 seats. Very roomy and lovely to drive.

[Hunnyangel80]

We have 6 and I love It would defo have more if I could lol we have a minibus. Congratulations xx

[MultipleMama]

I have 6. Crazy and chaotic at the best of times but I wouldn't have it any other way. We have a 8 seater Expert Tepee (long version) but we want the 9 seater as we plan on having one more within a couple of years.

I prefer to walk & carry everywhere but we need the car for holidays etc and for when the school season starts.

[ZingSweetApple]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

we have 6 and #7 is due in July.
The key is to be organized.
which I'm not ATM due to all day morning sickness that is still lingering and can knock me off my feet.

I think you already know the answer - it's tough but fun, you have 5 and great experience already, you'll manage just fine!

BTW we have an 8-seater VolksWagen, extra long wheelbase so massive boot.
(getting 2nd car)

[Misfitless]

Wow - congratulations, OP that's amazing.

You are all amazing to manage with 5/6 .

I'd love to have more most days but always assume we couldn't afford to.

How on earth do you afford 6 DCs?

If I could find a way to fund it, my DH might actually consider it!

Any hints would be gratefully received.

[Misfitless]

Just read that back ...it sounds quite rude . Sorry if I've offended anyone!

[lovelymumof4]

I'd love to have 6 children, i always had 6 in mind, i have 4. You are a lucky lady!

[lovelymumof4]

My husband would like number 5 but says we can't afford it and iv'e started the menopause so a no-go for us.

[diege]

I had number 6 in October and it isn't much more work than 5 tbh...the sleeplessness in the early weeks was bad, but I put that down to being old-ish (43) but moreover having a waking toddler (2). Back at work in 3 wks so things may change then! I must say I like the synmmetry of 6 too - 3 dds (eldest 3)and then 3ds's.
Car-wise we don't have one so no problem there! When we go on holiday half of us go by car (we car share on occasion) and the other by train. Train is much the easier option (me, older 2, magazine and choc - bliss!!).

[tmae]

I'm coming from a different perspective as I am one of six and having so many siblings is brilliant. My mum has adored having so many and she would have had more if she could. They were going to get the Viano but got the Ford Galaxy instead as I am now moved out so though only need 7 seats, I must say their old car, Chrysler Grand Voyager was much nicer.

[MrsBennetsEldest]

Oh this thread has made me smile, I am number 5 in a family of 6 children. I am known ( within the family) as No.5.
We are all in our 40s & 50s now, when we were young we all sat on the back seat of the car, the older ones had the little ones on their knee. How times have changed. I remember my Dad having to brake hard coming down a hill and me hitting the windscreen with my head.
Love all the larger families here.

[apermanentheadache]

How in the name of the lord do you go to work with 6 kids?! Deep respect. Are they all in school or are you super-rich with a fleet of norland nannies?

[Innocentbystander01]

I've got 6 and two jobs. I have to say the baby/ primary age was easy now three of them are teenagers it's hell.
Good luck though x

[MultipleMama]

I work from home (2 jobs) so that makes it easier! All are home until they start school/nursery in Aug! :)

[dementedma]

Respect ladies, but can I ask, seriously, about the cost? Are you all sahms with DPS on good salaries, or if you work, how do you afford the childcare? I have 3 Dcs, 2 now young adults, and am fascinated by you super women who manage with 6!

[blameitonthecaffeine]

I was very similar to you. Very happy with my 5 DDs then had an accidental 6th pregnancy - but mine turned out to be twins!!

So, I have 7. DDs are 15, 14, 11, 8, 5 and 11 months and DS is 11 months.

I can't say it hasn't been more work since the twins but I think that's more to do with them being twins than the total family number. I was nervous as (despite frequent fantasies of more babies) I did feel my family was complete. But I wouldn't change it for the world now, they are so gorgeous, their sisters love them and DH is just over the moon to have a son.

dementedma - money wise, we are incredibly fortunate and don't have to worry. DH has a very high salary and I work part time too. My parents live on our road and DH's parents live in the same borough. They are all retired and all love having our children. I also have an au pair.

[harrygracejessica]

I'm a stay at home mum with mine, one of them has extra needs so can't really work until he's stable. Partner has an ok paid job - we get by on it but could never afford a mortgage!

[MultipleMama]

dementedma - DH has a very good wage and gets monthly bonuses and with my 2 wages so we are pretty well off.

We pay for the childcare (twins starting nursery) with our wages but the school fees (5yo & 3yo) are paid for by trust fund. Which is a massive help! And for our outside childcare we have my PiL 30 minutes away.

Every day to day stuff is paid for by wages and it helps that DH works in finance so we budget everything. Some months are tight but we manage! :)

[mumOFsix6]

I have six (15, 11, 9, 7, 5, 3) and in some ways it is actually easier as everyone now has an automatic play-mate, also you can buy two packs of 4 chicken breasts or something and they all get used! However it can be quite chaotic. When they were younger they went to Nan's house, but now we get funding for ds (3) to go to nursery and the rest are at school. However dd (15) says it's too loud when she is studying for her GCSEs

[mumOFsix6]

I have six (15, 11, 9, 7, 5, 3) and in some ways it is actually easier as everyone now has an automatic play-mate, also you can buy two packs of 4 chicken breasts or something and they all get used! However it can be quite chaotic. When they were younger they went to Nan's house, but now we get funding for ds (3) to go to nursery and the rest are at school. However dd (15) says it's too loud when she is studying for her GCSEs

[MissSmiley]

We have 5 (11,9,7,7 and 4) and dh would like another. I'm 41 but he is 54. I worry that we are too old. We run a business from home together. We have just taken our kids out of private school (class sizes too small) and the oldest is going to grammar school. I could carry on working if we had another.

[MissSmiley]

Just realised zombie thread.