One of Britain’s most dedicated mothers, whose children range from seven months to 20 years old, revealed she is expecting her 13th child.
Tania Sullivan, 40, decided to turn her brood into a baker’s dozen despite raising her family in a cramped five-bedroom house in Kent.
She said: ‘I always wanted a lot of children, maybe six, but I never thought I’d end up with double that.’
Along with her husband Mike, 40, Mrs Sullivan has raised Ben, 20, Stephanie, 18, Caitlin, 13, Harry, 10, Eddie, eight, Sidney, seven, Paddy, five, Oliver, three, Joseph, two, twins Anna and Libby, 16 months and seven-month-old baby Isobel.
The full-time mother tutors her children and said her teaching methods reflect her parenting style.
‘Home schooling does cost but the flexibility is priceless and the children learn so much more. I think they feel fortunate.’
‘The only time they ask to go to normal school is when it’s a snow day!’
The Sullivans have raised their family in a modest five bedroom house in Hoo, Kent and are financilally independent.
They are both self-employed and said they are self-sufficient by making their own bread, butter and jam and raising their own hens for eggs.
Eighteen-year-old Stephanie Sullivan said: ‘My mum is absolutely amazing. She is more than just a mother, she is a friend when I need someone to talk to and a teacher when I need guidance.’
Mrs Sullivans’ website largerfamilylife.com offers support and advice for other large families.
