Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
For couple told they’d never have children
club. They don’t get pocket money, but if they want to go out with friends we try to give them some – everything has to be scheduled so we know what we are budgeting for.” Christmas Day is a big occasion in the family’s calender as they have dinner with all the neighbours – so there can be up to 30 people at the table. Everyone shares the jobs and they all sit together to eat their meal. Emma also does just one big grocery shop a month and doesn’t “beat around the bush” when it comes to cooking. She says: “They don’t have a choice – they all have the same, and it is easier for me.” Despite admitting there is some tension in the house, everyone sticks together and supports each other. “There is always going to be some sibling rivalry, but they are all pretty good and pull together when they need to,” Emma says.
“Five years ago, my dad had a massive brain aneurysm and it was quite tricky. I had to be at the hospital for six months everyday and they all just pulled together.”
The family do not go out on many trips together but when they do, Emma likes everyone to look the part.
“Two years ago, Spencer’s dad got remarried so all the children dressed the same,” she says.
“I think it is really special when you have a big family to dress all of them the same.” The family’s French bulldog, Buster, and cat, Jess, add to the mayhem, but Emma admits she hates it when the house is quiet. There are plans to build a log cabin outside and a conservatory to add three more rooms as the children get older.
But at the moment, Isaac sleeps in his parents’ room, five of the younger boys share, and Emily, Charlie and Daisy each have their own bedroom. Oliver has moved out and works as a chef for Michelin-starred restaurants in Ibiza and France.
Emma says: “We don’t ever regret having 10 children, but we just hate people who judge us.”
Spencer adds: “I wouldn’t change it for the world. At the end of the day, it was our choice to have this many children and we were very lucky to have them.”
‘I wouldn’t change it for the world. At the end of the day, it was our choice to have this many children and we were lucky to have them’