In a charming revelation on a popular UK morning show, Natalie and Oliver Jackson opened up about their life as parents to 13 children, with another on the way. The couple, who are expecting their 14th child in June, shared their journey through parenthood and the practicalities of managing a large family during their appearance on “This Morning”.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Were-a-Family-of-13-interview4-041426-4c100733438d435eb33d8d0560d88a00.jpg)
The Jackson family’s adventure began in 2005 when they welcomed their eldest son, Elliot. Since then, Natalie has been pregnant almost every year, leading to a bustling household of 13 children aged between 3 and 19. Amidst the joys of parenting such a large brood, they discussed the financial implications of raising their family, revealing how much they spend on groceries each month.
According to the couple, their weekly grocery bills are substantial. They consume an impressive 12 loaves of bread, nearly 32 litres of milk, eight boxes of cereal, and 60 eggs. Together, these essentials amount to close to £1,000 monthly (approximately $1,360). Natalie also shared the overwhelming volume of laundry, stating she does three loads daily, excluding towels and bedding. Furthermore, the family travels in a spacious, bus-like vehicle, although the couple chose not to disclose their fuel expenses.
Despite the significant financial strain of raising many children, Natalie highlighted that her husband holds a well-paying job. The family operates on a strict budget, ensuring that resources are stretched as far as possible to provide for everyone. During their interview, Natalie light-heartedly mused, “We don’t have a choice; we can’t send them back,” revealing an optimistic approach to family life.
Interestingly, Oliver had undergone a vasectomy after the birth of their tenth child, son Kit. However, he shared the surprising news that the procedure had naturally reversed itself, leading to the upcoming arrival of their fourteenth child. This unexpected twist in their family planning was met with amusement by the show’s hosts, with co-anchor Ben Shephard quipping about Oliver’s “super sperm”, while Natalie explained that recanalization, or the reattachment of the vas deferens, is an unusual but not unheard-of occurrence.
The Jacksons’ journey became more remarkable when Oliver faced a battle with stage 3 testicular cancer in 2004. After undergoing chemotherapy and surgery, doctors advised him he was “sub-fertile”, which directed the couple to consider options like IVF. In a twist of fate, Natalie surprised Oliver with a positive pregnancy test, leading them to consider Elliot their “miracle baby”. Resilience and a sense of gratitude permeate their narrative, as Natalie firmly stated, “We feel blessed… we just feel very, very lucky.”
While their family size attracts a mix of reactions from the public, the couple remains committed to their choice. Oliver remarked, “It’s our choice to have this family,” expressing their determination to make the most of their circumstances. The older children also contribute, assisting by taking their younger siblings to parks or helping with household chores, which fosters a sense of teamwork within the family unit.
Moreover, the Jacksons have developed efficient methods for managing the chaos that tends to accompany Christmas time. Their approach involves a system of taking turns while opening presents, allowing them to appreciate each child’s reaction. This practice reflects the family’s ability to establish order amid a busy household.
As they prepare to welcome a new addition, the Jackson family exemplifies the joys and challenges of large family life. Their experience reveals not only the unique dynamics within a bustling household but also the loving bond that holds them together amid life’s complexities.