Comments on: Parenting at scale

By: Lee

Lee — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 17:08:25 +0000

I really like your use of the term “modern fretting.” I can see that much of your writing is focused on helping people relax and realize that, for the most part, things work themselves out.

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 12:17:05 +0000

In reply to Ann. @Ann- I totally agree with this - little siblings soften teens and remind them of something outside themselves. It's really cool to see.

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 23:43:15 +0000

Congratulations on your newest addition! I’ve been a fan of your writing for some time and was delighted when I ran across your NYT article and learned you had expanded your brood. I am the youngest of two and never thought I’d be the mother of four boys, but we love it! The best thing? Seeing my oldest (13) interact with my youngest (3). Teenagers can be very inward focused, but the baby softens him and draws him out. Our house is loud and messy but my husband and I often remark that we’d be lonely without our crew!

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 10:29:49 +0000

Really enjoyed reading these, Laura. And I also have been enjoying your life updates. Thanks for sharing!

By: Jane Aharoni Berman

Jane Aharoni Berman — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 07:24:00 +0000

Wouldn’t you know it? My paper wasn’t delivered yesterday! Missed the article. Will Google it. I love reading your stuff, Laura.

By: Jara

Jara — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 01:06:27 +0000

This is a great article! I grew up as the oldest of five kids, and hope to have a large family of my own someday. I loved having so many siblings. Luckily we all get along, so, while I know it’s cheesy and cliche, I automatically have four lifelong best friends!

By: Lori C

Lori C — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 00:58:42 +0000

Great article Laura. I am fascinated by family size and how it shapes someone’s perspective. My dad is one of 13 children, my mom 1 of 2. I’m one of 4 kids, my husband is an only child. Growing up I always spent holidays with my dad’s family and my own life at home was loud and hectic. When I got married, my husband was semi-horrified attending our family Christmas party! Kids were running around everyone, and you could barely hear yourself over what I will call your stereotypical Boston Irish Catholic family. Thankfully he has gotten used to it and usually finds a quiet seat in the corner and naps when we get home. Haha!

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 21:53:59 +0000

In reply to Anne. @Anne- I think 6 has been big for a while! Even back in the peak TFR days (in modern times at least) of the 50s.

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 21:53:12 +0000

In reply to AR.

@AR – thanks! It’s all about perspective! Sadly, one anecdote got cut for space: I interviewed Carney while he was in an Uber on the way to the airport, and after a while of us talking about the challenges of spending one-on-one time with our broods (of 5 or 6) his Uber driver, a gentleman from Ethiopia, mentioned that he was one of 12! So 5-6 seemed small 🙂

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 21:51:54 +0000

In reply to Katie.

@Katie – Kristin is wonderful! And I’ve heard that the NY Times is getting a lot of positive feedback from big family sorts, which is great 🙂