My boys don’t fight, I won’t tolerate it

CLaire roCks, 33, lives in darlington with her husband matthew, 41. They run a childcare business and have five sons, Cameron, 15, Harvey, 12, mckenzie, seven, Caelan, five, and Cohen, three.

CLAIRE SAYS: I live in a world of superheroes and smelly socks, and keeping the fridge stocked is a daily struggle. We get through eight loaves and 24 pints of milk a week. As I’m just 5ft 1in it’s a matter of time until I’m the smallest in the house.

I get cross, though, when people make assumptions about my boys. Everyone presumes the house is chaotic and boisterous, with Matthew and I more like referees than parents. I hate those negative stereotypes, because it’s how you raise children that dictates their behaviour, not their gender. My sons may argue, like all siblings, but they don’t fight — I simply wouldn’t tolerate it.

I’m quite a firm mum. They are the men of the future and I’m raising them to respect and value women, and to be gentlemen.

I found out with each pregnancy what I was having but only because I’m impatient. I was never disappointed. We did pay for an extra private scan with my last pregnancy, though, because neither of us could believe it was a fifth boy. A part of me assumed we were due a girl after four sons! I know there are things I won’t get to experience, such as girly days out with a daughter and helping to plan her wedding.

But then I see the amazing relationship the boys have, and I know this is the right dynamic for me.

HUSBAND MATTHEW SAYS: We’ve been asked so many times if we are going to try for a daughter. I can’t understand why people feel our family is less than perfect, as it’s just right for us. I even think dads who don’t have sons might envy me a bit — having five boys is brilliant.

We did consider a sixth baby, but decided five was enough. If we had a daughter now it would be a shock.