While many parents with large families often rely on their older kids to help with their younger siblings, that hasn't been a reality for Courtney and her spouse.
"I know large families often get a bad rap for having older children help out with the younger ones. Every family is different and not everyone does things the exact same way. When my twins were born I had seven children 5 years old or younger. A 5-year-old isn't capable of being much 'help,' so for the majority of our parenting journey, it's just been my husband and me. That being said, my oldest two children now do occasionally push a second grocery cart or help with a stroller when my husband isn't there."
Her advice to couples looking to have a large family? Know what you're getting into!
"Parenting is hard work! It's very important that both parents are on the same page concerning family size and that both parents are willing to do their part to raise them," she said. "Believe it or not, in some ways it is easier the more children you have. Each new baby we bring home fits right in just as if they've always been there."
