How Do I Raise My Kids in Extreme Poverty? (Poor Family Documentary) | Real Stories

[@tpowell3776]

I was a poor kid, raised by my family who were engrossed in substance abuse, depression, violence and endless excuses for our impoverished plight, as an adult I made sure to do the polar opposite of everything I learned as a kid. I studied hard, stayed out of trouble, got a degree, started my own business, stayed out of debt, purchased real estate, invested my money in brokerage accounts and retired relatively young..I do what I want within reason, travel and feel grateful everyday that I chose to not continue the cycle of poverty that was bestowed upon me..

[@fixinfkinsandwiches6183]

You made wise choices! I don’t understand why people purposely have kids in poverty.

[@urekahepburn4402]

God Bless You

[@eboyd2478]

So happy for you!!

[@evaelliott8567]

@@fixinfkinsandwiches6183 One of the reasons I noticed quite early when I worked for a gov. was the girls always wanted to have another baby so their checks wouldn't be cut or stopped when they no longer had a child under 2 y.old.

[@joannemurphy661]

I’m so happy for you

[@privateprivate2421]

I was brought up in extreme poverty in its severest form. Got so used to having no food to eat I stopped feeling hungry years ago. I was however a multi millionaire in terms of the love I received from my mother. Now Im 62 and very successful. Not all poverty is self inflicted. Bad things do happen to good people.

[@QurVgn]

May I ask where you live? The US or UK? I want to write a blog, or book about the misconceptions surrounding poverty. Thank you! 🌈

[@nunya2954]

AMEN. My family was poorer than dirt too but the LOVE was without boundaries. We are all very successful.

[@annecallaghan1858]

You cannot buy true love and the love of a Mother is priceless. xx

[@thetreekeeper143]

Having no food is called intermittent fasting these days and is good for your health and longevity.

[@SabinUche]

The goverment should help! Millions for war, nothing for the people? We must stand together as a society to change this 🙏🙏🙏

[@beebee2781]

That French teacher was an absolute lovely woman. This video is from 2002, 20 years ago. It would be interesting for the people who produced this film to get an update. All the kids would be adults now.

[@harley8680]

They were lucky to have met here, but more importantly that she LIED for them!

[@beebee2781]

@@harley8680 Well, she didnt "completely" lie - she said, "Yes I know the 3 of them...." She just left out some info! lol I did learn that little Kaitlynn is a motivational speaker and works to help people in poverty and one of the older boys is having cancer treatments right now.

[@powerofloveism]

The Federal Government in 1989 all voted Unanimously to end child poverty by the year 2000.

[@earlysundays9544]

@@beebee2781 ,excellent research.

[@alisonlaing5626]

YES..........I,d love to see where they ALL are now..................I bet most of them Sadly...........are in similar positions etc etc..............the mother seemed "nice" just luck was NOT on her side.................but..although she had hard time/S,......why did she have as many as six kids??????????????????????????????????????????

[@eunicestone6532]

Always get everything in writing. I believe every word she said. I don't think she would have exposed her children to such conditions if she had not been promised the free rent. The landlord is horrible.

[@tarat26]

It's a damn share the film crew didn't get or have the opportunity to share film footage of what it was like as they moved in. I absolutely believe her. As a mother of one little boy, you wouldn't physicality move all your children into a house and spend all that time and money doing up the house. Surely they would move in and live like squatters doing damage. Also, the kids are at an age where they are aware of what's going on. You wouldn't want even one child to experience 'threatening behaviour from the landlord ". My heart goes out to them all. We didn't grow up in poverty but as a single mum with 3 young kids managing a mortgage, bills, food and clothing whilst giving and proving us all opportunities in life, my mum made some incredible sacrifices for us.

[@elleg3651]

I believe her also.

[@mydearjayden9895]

You should indead have everything in writing... When in first lived in my own, I rented an appartment from a sweet old lady. She asked to pay the rent cash. The first 3 months, she gave me a receipt everytime I paid. But then, she started saying that it was too hard to write, because her hands were shaking very badly. I trusted her, just paid my rent every month. After a year, she went to court...I was kicked out, and had to pay a year of rent, because she said I didn't pay anything in the last year... She just took advantage of a young girl that lived on her own for the first time. And yeah...I wrongly trusted that sweet old lady.

[@anastasiatempest761]

I believe her to, she is trying her best.💗🧑🏻‍🦼

[@HildeAzul]

This family would not have spent money they don’t have unless the landlord made the verbal agreement. All that time. He used them to get a free move out cleaning. Who is this guy?

[@colleenlally-ross7105]

Those kids are poor but they are being raised with kindness and love And it shows!

[@samplebien]

totally agree!! even with all the money in the world you can't buy love

[@sr2291]

That is really what matters isn't it? The kids can make it on their own raise them and give them life skills.

[@callipitter8474]

collen says" kids are poor but they are being raised with kindness and love". You all need to read up on what poverty, with or without love, does to kids!! Stop looking it at as a child and thinking all they need is love. And, A good mother would have never had that many kids that she couldn't afford.

[@callipitter8474]

@@samplebien says" with all the money in the world you can't buy love". You people need to grow up and learn that the world dosent revolve around love. read what happens to kids who grow up in poverty & you'll see love isnt that important to their being able to live on this earth.

[@gabyvansant4533]

@@callipitter8474 You need love AND money!!! Plain and simple. For instance you need money for the dentist, because most of them need their teeth straightend out. How you're gonna do that? I mean, serious....

[@cbricks9326]

“In Summertime you don’t get beat up”, that broke my heart. I feel so sorry for that young boy. The fear he must have felt every day knowing he might get beat up and bullied over a t-shirt. 😢

[@ashotofmercury]

The way she said it so matter-of-fact too, poor kid. ☹️

[@AmyC28713]

It was 20 years ago this was filmed....

[@cbricks9326]

@@AmyC28713 Who cares when it was filmed. It still runs true today.

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

​@ReleasedFromNegativity Its worse today cause of folks like you.

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

​@@cbricks9326 Sure does.

[@KristenDilligaf]

The French teacher is an ANGEL she's a godsend. She didn't lie... she just didn't correct the landlord 💜💜💜 We NEED more people like her in this cruel world

[@lisascott4207]

I grew up poor and a family of ten. I broke the cycle of poverty by working my way out. Not everyone is so lucky. Blessings to this family. It sure makes you a stronger person.

[@Prep-vu1tl]

Me too and "luck" has nothing to do with it.

[@browneyedgirl4637]

My mom had to work 3 jobs to keep a roof that a slum lord owned over our heads. I appreciate her and her sacrifices. I hope that all of these kids are doing well now.

[@firefly88887]

My good friend has 8 children and she’s on her own , she goes without loads for her children , who are just gorgeous kids with lovely manners , they appreciate the smallest things and all high achievers and individuals . I’d love to wave a magic wand and buy them a big house that’s the only thing she ever complains about SPACE !

[@eckankar7756]

A shame she didn't get her life in order first before raising a family. My husband and I put off having children for years as we travel, had time together just the two of us, finished school, got good jobs, bought a house, had a savings in place. THEN we planned our children. Do whatever you can do to get your life in order first, have the odds in your favor before bringing in babies to the world. Stuff happens, but at least do what you can be prepare for a happy, healthy family.

[@TheNatZShadow11]

@@eckankar7756 Based on your previous comments on this channel as well as this, you’re highly out of touch. Obviously that’s ideal. Nobody wants to be in poverty, let alone bring children into it. If you had the luxury to travel with your husband, you’re nowhere close to their struggles. Have some compassion, empathy. What you said wasn’t helpful, productive, or kind. It seems like you rarely do chime in to say something kind. Consider kindness for your children over money.

[@Love-hr5us]

It’s so heartbreaking to see the kids go through this. They seem like such a loving family. The daughter Kaitlyn Rice is now a motivational speaker. She spreads awareness on the issues she grew up with.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

Have you been to one of Kaits speeches? She is really good!

[@kc4981]

@@ellenkavanagh1 does she have videos up on YT?

[@ellenkavanagh1]

@@kc4981 No, she doesn’t use KZbin really. She’s not always on social media, she has a FB but even her fb she doesn’t use much.

[@HildeAzul]

Thank you for the update!

[@jameswright549]

The Mom and grandmother are jus too stupid, the 51 kids should be taken away.

[@mattiemathis9549]

This was so painful to watch. That’s how I grew up. I remember the IOU’s from Santa…. The wanting to get excited about something but knowing it would probably never happen…. If any kids out there and are watching this thinking, “I’ll never get away from this life of poverty…”. That IS NOT true!!! I got away from it, so can you! Stay legal. If you get a record or reputation as a trouble maker as a juvenile, life becomes more difficult as an adult. Take advantage of ANY education you can get. Whether it is language, math, science or trade skills. Listen to the old people. They have a ton of information and education to pass on to others. Mind who you associate with. If you hang out with people who are known as trouble makers you will be branded with the same reputation. Be respectful and responsible. If you are given a job, do it in a timely manner with a good attitude. Best of luck!!!!

[@theeggtimertictic1136]

Great advice.

[@davieraB]

The BEST advise. 👌

[@charlotte5372]

Wise words.

[@2ndhandSue]

You have a great attitude and hopefully people are reading your comment and taking it seriously. It's true - you can get out of poverty or any other undesirable situation if you stay on the right path and work hard.

[@marydunigan1721]

Excellent advice!

[@jennjeffs4893]

My aunt was the poorest person i had ever known in my personal life. Her house had dirt floors untill 1986. They never had much, but its where i loved spending my summers!!! She was so kind and loving and we always had fun. My grandfather (her dad) lived right around the corner & he helped her out, my mother helped at holidays so her kids would have Christmas. The best and most fun years of my life were at her house. I cherish those memories so much now. As a kid i knew there were differences between my house and life & theirs. But it didn't matter to me. I never knew how bad it was untill i was an adult. May she rest in peace! My favorite aunt, kathleen!!!

[@Geronimo2Fly]

I'm so torn whenever I see stories like this. One part of me screams, "They need help! I'll take those beautiful kids to the fair! I despise that slum landlord! Someone rent them a house!" and the other part of me is thinking, "Why did she have six kids if she's living in poverty? If they're so desperate that they have to sell off their kids' toys, how can they afford cigarettes? Why doesn't Carl get and KEEP a job, the lazy bum?" So much sympathy, fury, cynicism and criticism all at the same time. One thing for sure though, nothing is those beautiful kids' fault. I hope they're becoming everything they hoped for in life.

[@jenevieklein9385]

Yes, and the husband was smoking inside that beautiful new house 😞

[@pamelarudinsky8208]

My thoughts EXACTLY.

[@susanlorincz384]

Totally agree. Why have 6 kids when you can't even support one. Why buy cigarettes when you are broke. 2 packs of smokes ca cost the same as 2 whole chickens. However, they are raising the kids well. They are well behaved and happy. They both need full time jobs, and quit smoking. I did it after 30 years, and it's not that hard.

[@cassiondramiillers5929]

Finally a comment I can get behind. It’s very hard to watch… but I have to lean towards, “why so many children? Why the lazy man to be your husband?” So sad. My heart aches for anyone living like this.

[@cassiondramiillers5929]

@@jenevieklein9385 the lazy sob.. so sad

[@2DivasCallMeMami]

I love how she brought the one daughter to the thrift store with her. When you come from a large family, one on one time is so important.

[@2DivasCallMeMami]

But also…. Get a damn job. Worried about being a welfare case….This didn’t happen overnight. A history of bad choices got her here.

[@luvreza]

@@2DivasCallMeMami compassion is clearly a trait you dont have...how sad for you.

[@tonjiamurphy6042]

My mom had seven of us. And our lives were a lot worse than these kids. My dad was abusive, he never worked, my mom never worked. We lived out on the streets for years. It taught me to always work, always keep a job, a home and Provisions for me and my ONE daughter that I had with my ex-husband who is her father. Even though my marriage to her father wasn't a good one. We've been able to work things out and he has always helped with the rearing of his daughter

[@lvega5606]

I'm glad you were able to learn from your experience and make a good life for yourself. As you well know, a lot of people don't learn.

[@mitziflanery2939]

Same. One daughter. And my mother resented me when I WOULDNT apply for welfare. She’ll never change. Neither will, I.

[@carmelmulroy6459]

The people saying that mom is wonderful are from small families or well off families. In reality life is not so rosey when you have to get a job at 14 to help pay for the groceries or the person rearing you is an older sibling who doesn't know what she's doing.

[@sashanealand8315]

I was raised poor and didnt even know it! Four kids and we were rich in art, books and music. My mom was too proud to take government assistance, food or medical, my dad worked three jobs. My mom made bread, pancakes, noodles out of flour, besides that we ate a lot of vegetables and fruit, milk eggs, oatmeal. We were hungry all the time but thought it was normal, sometimes I was so hungry I felt like my stomach was going to eat itself. breakfast was oatmeal, lunch was peanut butter sandwich on homemade bread and a fruit or vegetable. Supper would be thíngs like a big pot of steamed brocoli or baked potatoes or homade noodles, desert was popcorn. We got our clothes from the free box at the resource center and once a year each got one new pair of leather buster brown shoes that had to last the year. Besides that our entertainment was the library, crayons and watercolors, skits we put on, writing stories or riding rusty bikes we got from the dump and my mom covered with contact paper. Our one luxury was no matter what each child had a weekly music lesson on the instrument of their choice, everything was sacrificed for those. This was in the 1970s. I think they did pretty good, we are still a close family. Athough we did have some tragedies and lost brother to mental illness all us sisters grafuated college, two with doctorates, none of us are rich in money though or even midfle income, we keep the same values of art, books and music.

[@katiebrent3332]

That French lady - what a blessing she turned out to be. If it wasn't for her, they may have lost their children.

[@OnYoutubeInATutu]

I was bullied badly for being poor, having no family & for not being able to do or afford the things all the others could. Very embarrassing & painful & to be honest, I'm 23 now & I still struggle but I try to keep positive & achieve my goals. I hope all these kids go far in life❤.

[@glcmranger421]

They will do well, especially if they don’t use their parents as a good example. Those kids should not have to watch their parents sitting at home enjoying cigarettes and tv and juice, instead of out beating the pavement finding work. If you’re not working, then get out and find work, it’s not coming to your house to find you. Hopefully, the kids will do well in school, so they can at least move out and realize they had deadbeats raising them. Where was all that free government money going from the Child Benefits each month?! ($570 and $480 per child dependent on age) Ridiculous!!

[@LolaAldridge-ru7tb]

may God bless you

[@ellenkavanagh1]

@@glcmranger421 the movie was made 20+ years ago.. the child benefits weren’t that high.

[@glcmranger421]

@@ellenkavanagh1 That’s good to know. I did find a website that showed me the video info was misrepresented. Thank you, though.

[@JerseyDevilJerseyGirl]

I love your handle 😂😂😂

[@valhipkiss4011]

What beautifully behaved kids they are , I do hope this family are going well , & god bless them all .

[@jordanbraidwood]

That teacher is so incredibly sweet.

[@felucca]

It's inspirational, makes me want to be a better person myself :)

[@jennyjenny3531]

These kids are lovely. Reminds me of my childhood, growing up poor and one of seven kids. We were also brought up with love and kindness, and we have done well as adults. These kids will break the cycle, and be more kind, compassionate and grateful in life due to their life experiences. All the best for this lovely family.

[@carolynm9638]

I hope nothing but the best for these kids too but their mother chose to continue the cycle following her poor upbringing - let’s hope these kids break out of it & realise that having 6 kids in dire circumstances makes it that much harder.

[@marycooper8385]

I can imagine 4 bedroom for $1000 Even 20 years ago that would have been impossible

[@marycooper8385]

I wish this loving kind family all the best God bless them and keep them well and safe the Mom is trying she keeps fighting Carl has no vehicle hard to land a job Unless he's not looking all that hard

[@nedrawarwick3840]

Hats off to the mother of these children they all seem well behaved and hard little workers

[@liselottenormannsrensen7867]

Sadly you can not buy food with compassion or kindness🥺 I have worked with families like this one for 35 years and sadly not many of them breaks the circle of poverty. Hope they do🤞🙏❤️

[@CC12398]

It is striking how happy and loving to each other these children are. Sometimes having too much can produce the opposite... This family deserves good things...OMG this kid happily gave up his skateboard and movies :-(

[@karleet]

The poor family of eight seems closer together with a better bond and true happiness than most rich families nowadays.

[@trackjosh]

Except the dad can’t get off the couch and work and contribute anything.

[@nunya2954]

@@trackjosh He isn't their real Dad, where is the real Dad that should ADULT up and SUPPORT his offspring. The "Dad" was working but lost his job. NOW that being SAID he IS HOME AND NOT OUT DRINKING WHILE SHE WORKS SO THOSE KIDS ARE SAFE. He was ALSO OUTSIDE PLAYING WITH THEM WHICH IS MORE THAN I CAN SAY ABOUT MOST OF THE SO CALLED "DAD'S" I KNOW THESE DAYS CAUSE AFTER WORK ALL THEY CAN MANAGE IS SITTING ON THEIR AZZ WATCHING TV..........

[@roshelltannen9698]

Oh Please. I'd rather be unhappy with money. She's not noble because she's poor. She's an idiot.

[@karleet]

@@roshelltannen9698 I gather from your comment, you’re unhappy either way. And no one said that she’s noble. ✌️

[@roshelltannen9698]

@@KatinIN Are they? They're are also being taught no work ethic, it's everyone else's fault, and others should pay for your decisions.

[@trishabowl]

The stepdad feels lazy to me. My Dad all my life was a crippled roofer. He got up & busted his butt no matter what because he had no choice. No excuse for a healthy man to go a year without working. I hope they’re all doing good now 🙏🏼

[@betzg2415]

He is lazy, hence his "acceptance" of a brood mare with 6 kids....instant income

[@trishabowl]

@@betzg2415 exactly

[@mirelazivkovic6010]

Criteria was he is not drunk not junkie and doesnt beat her

[@christinejones7902]

@trishabowl, glad your dad was a hard worker. Mine always made excuses. Asked God to give him 10 kids. And then he told us to fend for ourselves. My mom died of cancer when I graduated high school. I had to help raise my 7 younger brothers and my older sister and brother often leeched off me also. I had up to four of five minimum wage jobs to make ends meet. And still sometimes didn't get to eat for letting my younger siblings eat. They doing well now. But I am the one struggling, sick, and scraping for every penny to make it...

[@trishabowl]

@@christinejones7902 Sounds like you’ve been punished for your Dads mistakes. I’m sorry you & your siblings have had to go through that. It’s definitely not fair. My Mom sucks but my Dad tried to make up for it. I have 2 daughters from 2 different Men & their Dads are absent but they have me. We should all have good normal parents but we don’t always get what we deserve. Life can be so hard. I hope things get better for you soon! You deserve a break ❤️

[@laurence2824]

This is chokingly affecting. What an adorable family. Those wonderful kids are a credit to their mother. I wish them nothing but success and happiness; they deserve no less.

[@Abcaa]

Confused why everyone thinks this is so touching when this woman kept pumping out kids she knew she couldn't afford AFTER admitting she herself lived thru the same poverty and how hard it was. She's nothing more than an irresponsible breeder.

[@jemieculp6847]

I hope the kids all got to grow up to be the policepersons, firefighters, teachers, graphic designers, and explorers that they wanted to be as kids.

[@Nonexistent_Music]

I highly doubt it, but maybe

[@CT-1001]

Actually Kaitlyn is an EA and motivational speaker. The others I'm unsure of.

[@cje3247]

@@Nonexistent_Music I agree.

[@HelenEk7]

I found one of the daughters on Facebook. She seems to be doing well. Seems like she helps run a non-profit helping other poor families in need. Her mum did a good job despise their circumstances.

[@dzetagamma4287]

@@Nonexistent_Music the mother did a good job, the kids are very well educated despite their conditions!! They will become what they will I dont doubt that! Better look in your cup - or your mom and dad were rich and you became nothing?!

[@amandafox5855]

I just want to say, what a remarkable woman. The well-mannered and loving children she's raising are truly a great contribution to society. Being rich doesn't mean you are a good person. I wish them all the best.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

Wow, so far best comment I read! My mom tried her hardest

[@juliea3820]

Agree, they are well spoken wonderfully mannered kids.

[@ebonyrenna]

@Donnell Okafor poverty is not an indication of character. Character is worth more than what's in your bank account.

[@anabaird3835]

​@@ebonyrenna poverty, in itself, is not an indicator of character..AGREED. BUT...deliberately creating babies KNOWING (firsthand even) the HORRENDOUS HARDSHIPS & STRUGGLES that come with unstable, irresponsible, selfish parents & ABJECT POVERTY & all GENUINE TRAUMA they will be forced to ENDURE their entire childhood-starting from even before birth IS an indicator of CHARACTER...A GLARINGLY OBVIOUS INDICATOR. & not ONE (one is too many) but SIX?? & for WHAT?? So she & her wife-beat'r husband can get their jollies?..without even bothering to use contraception? Using 2methods is ATLEAST 180% fool proof. She couldn't atleast wait a few yrs til she could figure out how to break the toxic, generational patterns before bringing children into that DISASTROUS DUMPSTER FIRE?? THAAAT is an indicator of Character. But then, she couldn't even muster up the common sense to get her rental lease in writing. She couldn't even muster the common sense to stop buying cigarettes, or atleast smoke OUTSIDE so her children dont have to go to school REEKING like an ashtray.. they had more than enough social issues to deal with as it was bc of their mothers "character"...mostly the very same issues SHE suffered under HER mothers "character". Even NOW shes telling commenters "I did my best" 🤯. I hope thats not true. I hope there's atleast ONE mothering decision she made that gives her enough pause & think "Manoman...THAT was a moment I shouldve turned LEFT rather than RIGHT. THAT was not doing my BEST". Nope..not even to THIS day has she inducated that shes of good character..or that she's even TEACHABLE. I noticed her YT handle is "North Witch 66..." I would not look at that & think "Well THERE'S a woman of good character!" 😮‍💨. From her update, it sounds like her kids rebelled against her..They're doing REMARKABLY well considering things usually end the same way they BEGIN. I pray for her sons healing & recovery from Cancer & her daughter's recovery from substance addiction. Ive not had to deal with either of those in my personal orbit (Glory to GOD) But, everyone knows they are both INHUMANELY EXCRUCIATING ILLNESSES. May God continue to comfort & guide them.

[@anabaird3835]

​@Donnell Okafor She (Kayt)made the same decisions her mom did (& probly her mom's mom etc) so if her mom didn't make excuses for her, she'd have to acknowledge there was no excuse for HER horrendous "parenting" either, tho, rite? It's clearly a generational victimhood thing. A commenter (somewhere in here) poured gallons of praise on her telling her what a strong & wonderful woman & mother of 6 she is!!!(🤯). She replied "oh thank you. I did my best." 🤯..I hope that's not true. I hope there's atleast a few things in her hindsight where she thinks "🤔Well THAT was not my best decision!" Apparently NOT😒. She goes on to give an update on her kids: Her middle son,Alex, is dying of cancer 😪 Her youngest son & her eldest son are both chefs (im guessing Taco Bell line cooks) Her eldest boy also helps take care of Alex. Eldest daughter is in substance recovery. Youngest girl has 2kids & manages a store (im guessing not/never married, 2 diff "donors", & a 3rd shift assist mgr at a Circle K or McD's)..and her middle daughter is married to a great guy, they have 2kids, own their hm (if memory serves..COULD be renters)& yrly income is $120k & they own a boat. (Ha! Leave it to the same-gender middle child to rebel against her mother/generational family traits! rebellion against THAT mess is a GOOD thing). Of course, Im keeping in mind that their high-falutin standards of "great guy" is: "He don't beat on her'n he don't cheat on her). But middle girl probably is actually doing well...atleast comparatively speaking. She said ALL of 6 of her kids turned out to be"WONDERFUL HUMAN BEINGS!!". She has a new man (didnt say if she married this new one, or why they split) & her YT handle is: "North Witch 66" (THAT might explain alot) What sticks in my noggin the most is how her pride would not abide her accepting gvmnt assist healthcare for her kids bc she simply couldnt have ppl think she's a "welfare broad". 🤯🤯🤯! The DELUGE of constant& continued DEPRAVITY...but Medical/Dental/Healthcare for her children?? THAT'S where she draws the line??? 🤯😵‍💫🥴😵🤯🤯🤢😔 THAT'S where the pearl clutching begins & moral compass is restored? Smh...geez. I don't want anyone to bash this woman (Kayt) but the applause & praise absolutely ghasts my flabber! Up is Down & Down is up. Wrong is right & right is Wrong. SURREAL!!

[@elleg3651]

That families problem is not just poverty, it's the disgusting men they chose to cohabitate with. The cycle of abuse spans generations and that needs to be addressed. I hope the young girls in this documentary made better choices about the men they let in their lives.

[@talex1625]

100% correct and also the fact that they choose to have such large families.

[@TheTuesday11]

He doesn’t drink, do drugs or beat on her……… so that makes him a good man??? Come on, you can be poor snd have standards on who you let in your life.

[@onengkusumah2905]

rofl, can't you see that only those "disgusting men" willing to stay with those disgusting women...

[@onengkusumah2905]

@@TheTuesday11 lol, they can't afford standards, only men that are losers would be willing to stay with them.

[@TrishaPoeta]

Oh I agree with@mid30classics70 ! I'm thinking the same thing! I hope her daughters made better choices for their lives. I appreciate my childhood and my parents (God rest their souls) so much. My dad was an engineer and even worked a second job so my mom could stay home with me. I'm a only child (I was 3 kids wrapped in one LOL) I had everything and appreciated it. I can't imagine this the poor kids going through this

[@WayraRose]

The dad telling the kids to get out and sell made me irrationally angry. He is not doing everything he can to work yet tells them to basically beg for money hoping a rich guy will give them "100 bucks for juice."

[@Mommabearcwg]

I think I would stop the smoking for my kids and get my husband to get a job

[@tally0224]

Very good documentary. I've NEVER seen six, children as well-behaved. Ever.

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

My mom's family grew up like this, in terrible poverty. They didn't know they were poor. Every one of them grew up to be good people. It's all how you treat each other. Mom would talk about her dad pulling out the fiddle and they'd sit on the porch and sing. Things like this are what make a family stable.

[@maryburger1232]

@The mysterious Miss X that won't keep a roof over your head, your bills paid and food on the table !

[@MrLaurak12]

My dad grew up poor too. He said the same thing: they didn’t know they were poor. They had an outhouse into the 1950’s

[@leahmolina33]

I would sit on the porch and sing w my Uncles and my Daddy but Mom wouldn't join in for nothing!

[@karlabritfeld7104]

My mom's family grew up like this and my mom and several family members turned out to be very greedy and selfish.

[@naturegreen123]

@@karlabritfeld7104 ja,that can definitely happen. But I think it could be true of well off folk too some want to share and some feel it's theirs they worked hard for it. So maybe it's up to the individual themselves. Both my parents grew up poor and my mum wasn't kind but my dad was. Strange.

[@nicoleaz488]

Good to hear they’re all doing fairly well today. Was shocked when they said a year later and Carl is still unemployed!!? Moms walking two hours to catch a shuttle to work!! I know they’re not his kids but she’s supporting him and her kids

[@trinat7686]

Bless mom's heart but i could see almost from the beginning that husband was just a liability and he continued to prove that throughout this documentary. It upsets me that she couldn't see it but happy that the children are well and i would love to see an update hopefully mom got a vehicle shortly after it worried me that she was walking alone in dark morning and evenings

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

That’s why he’s there …she’s desperate for a man and he needs resources

[@MargaretNolan-c1t]

It's quite clear to me that the mother is a reckless fool who procreated with scumbags. Now, she is attached to another scumbag who is also a parasite. The best thing that her children to do is LEARN from her idiocy and resolve NOT to repeat it. There is a percentage of every population, every ethnicity, every group that simply SHOULD NOT BREED, period. They always do a lousy job; they share their incompetent misery.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

hey can I just say one thing that this documentary never showed, he was a horrible stepfather who beat the boys and abused us girls, that’s all I gotta say about him, he’s dead to us because someone who can take a child’s innocence away shouldn’t be worth anything. Oh and I’m one of the little girls in this movie. I’m not afraid of him anymore, he also served his time but I think they should of locked him up and threw away the key

[@unabashed]

​@@ellenkavanagh1you poor girl....I'm so happy you've triumphed over what he did. As soon as it was said that he wasn't the father of any of the 6 of you, I already knew what was up. Unpopular and seemingly little known fact - many men are parasitic by nature and go only where a need can be fulfilled. Single moms are targets of men who are predators and who want a place to stay. Your mom was more worried about validating herself by having a man around than truly putting you guys first. It has been many years since this was filmed and I do hope that she has sought your forgiveness and has taken the proper steps to make it up to you as much as she can. Women do this a lot, and they choose the man every time. I'll never understand it.

[@hanisgirl]

Intergenerational poverty and trauma affects how we make decisions. I remember in a middle class family I was taught a) learn a a valuable skill b)even as a mom - always stay connected to the workforce c) only have as many kids as I could afford if I ever ended up without my spouse. I ended up alone with 3 children through a tragic circumstance. Those 3 pieces of advice were critical to our well-being.

[@garlicgirl3149]

And that still is not a guarantee of safety!

[@WayraRose]

Same. My parents both worked so hard. We were middle class, and I was comfortable. My parents and grandparents and great grandparents strongly instilled a lot of good habits. I remember my dad working side jobs to pay off the mortgage faster. Poverty can happen to anyone, but breaking the cycle is key.

[@hanisgirl]

@@WayraRose I am not sure if public schools are equipped to "stream" children in poverty into vocations/trades but I think this is the only way out for these kids in the future. WHATEVER, this family is facing - regular attendance at school has to be the priority. And the parents need to do things like make sure the kids have a good life at school where they don't get bullied. (designated school-only clothes, exceptional hygiene, and grooming). Education is the only breakaway from the tragic poverty we saw in the documentary. I am praying the kids pull through this very difficult time without intergenerational poverty continuing forward.

[@yvette3278]

@@garlicgirl3149 but it does help especially only have enough kids that you could afford. if she came from poverty, not sure why she would have so many kids and then complain about not making enough to feed and house them. it sucks but why bring another life into your world of poverty

[@truenature2415]

How in America you are poor when everyone is rich.

[@tiffsjourney877]

I was born into poverty. My heart and prayers are with this family. I know what it is like and its hard. Especially with people constantly judging.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

The part that I truly don’t understand is why those families would have children knowing that they’re not financially prepared? Life is already hard and bringing in children into an already hard environment is so sad and upsetting.

[@garyneilson3075]

So true, just because people may be in poverty it doesn't mean they become instant perfect people without the vices so many others may have. 'Judge not lest ye be judged', judging, does not fit with 'love your neighbor as yourself'. We who think of ouselves as 'Christians', can ponder on that.

[@missalicesmiles]

Then please explain why it's rational to have six kids? This wasn't situation where they could support six kids and fell on bad times. Oh wait, you can't

[@truenature2415]

Which country you are from

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

​@missalicesmiles It's not rational and which kid would you eliminate?

[@janknowles4044]

What a beautiful family. The children are amazing. Hope things improve for you very soon. God bless you x

[@rochellefrechette2792]

I've been watching documentaries a lot lately. But never from one in my own hometown. Wow. I was 10 in 2002 around the same age as these kids. I hope they're doing better. They are so kind and deserve everything good.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

Which town is home town lol Orillia was my hometown

[@neondesertrye]

I had friends who lived like this in filthy homes, and it was always one crisis to the next for their parents, and all they ever spoke about was money. We had to pay their parents gas money to get rides to the mall in their derelict cars, and the able-bodied 30-something aged parents were always home lamenting about being poor, but they always had money for cigarettes. I grew up poor, but our home was always clean, we always had a roof over our heads, and my mom was always working to make that happen. There's different types of poverty from bad circumstances and bad luck, to just plain bad choices.

[@HildeAzul]

True, I hope you aren’t staying this woman was lazy with poor choices…

[@crimnclove1970]

The stepdad should work, there’s no reason for him not to.

[@marcimonroe7352]

I don't care how many kids she has. She's not on drugs and she's trying to find her way. She's keeping her family together and that is alot more than some of these BS worthless "Mother's" do. Having too many kids is water under the bridge. Be kind. You never know when you may need someone to be kind to you in return.

[@harley8680]

A very sad situation indeed, however so much of it was from her own choices. Smoking is a DRUG - nicotine one of the most addicting things you can do to your body. Both Kay and her partner smoked. Even 20 years ago that would have been an easy 5.00 for a pack a day. Also, she could have used birth control to not have six children that she could not afford. I am sure her partner never found work and was always a moocher. Looked able bodied to me, and that makes even more sad!

[@pamelaheath4323]

Amen🙏

[@LadyWebz]

Absolutely 💯 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@lucyferreira7595]

WHY BE SO DIRTY FOR ? THERE GONNA MOVE TO A BIGGER HOUSE .. JUST TO BE EVEN MORE DIRTIER BIRTH CONTROL IS CHEAPER & SHE SHOULD BE ON IT REALLY (6) KIDS IF UR POOR DON'T KEEP HAVING MORE LADY #YUCK

[@ediephillipsthemobtownhust8596]

Well said.

[@lilliancruz1756]

this poor mom, she did all that work and the children too. Then to have the landlord lie. I 100% believe he told this lady to do the clean up for a months free rent. The children are so well behaved and the family may be poor, but they are such a nice family.

[@CCAnne]

I agree but it was several months and instead of starting to pay she’s not giving any money an hasn’t painted an finished the house etc. Having people come to do work though is legal an should happen I watched my parents do this all as a child, they wanted 1000x more then they should for something like a broken light socket in one area would mean they should not have pat rent for the year etc, an would use that to not pay for months and months. I never understood why, 15 times they moved in less then 10 yesrs. Thankfully my dads parents had custody of me and I only have to visit but what my steps siblings endured still breaks my heart. Somehow they always “pay” but never had receipts etc.. I lived it they never paid after the first time you would never hand a penny over without a receipt, they now do the same and my sister her husband an kids are in the 5th place since 2018 evicted from everyone, heartbreaking, I have never been I pay the rent before anything an thankfully we also worked to buy a home and we pay the mortgage, I’m so terrified of my kids not having a home I’ll work 5 jobs to have them not endure that. However my step siblings they don’t think rent matters an they blame the landlords for not understanding, don’t get me wrong there are some landlords that are horrible but if you could see the mentality you would see it’s not the same view on priorities they really feel they should not have to pay rent over any thing they could find, the house had a mouse run through it, and they refused to pay rent from the last place, instead of getting a mouse trap an asking for someone to be sent over they just stop paying rent..

[@Watts1024]

She was ignorant and didn’t sign any sort of a contract. After watching this, the mom’s mother just made poor excuses for her daughter.

[@kellyfanello6716]

Amen

[@hjcip3934]

Children look sweet and their mother loves them. I know plenty of people with money that don't have sweet children or love from the parent.

[@nekoiah9342]

Poor mom? She is an irresponsible! If ur poor DO NOT HAVE KIDS or u ll make em live a terrible life

[@river8760]

So much to unpack here. Amazing teacher helping them out, what a huge heart she has. The kids all need orthodontics so badly, it’s so sad that they can’t get that covered. I’m not saying it’s for aesthetics either, they have severe bite issues 😢 These kids are such awesome people, but I feel horrible for what they’re dealing with. The landlord is a POS! Hoping they are all doing well now.

[@Valmontst]

I was thinking the same thing about the poor kids and their teeth. If she had taken the government subsidies, I would assume it would have given the kids, dental and medical care? Here, in the USA, if kids are on Medicaid, then they have access to all types of medical, vision, and dental services. Did you see any other comments that Alex passed away from cancer? 😢

[@P1xelJunK]

20years+ and this is still a horrible problem that too many families face in Canada. I hope everything turned out as best as it could for these wonderful children, they deserve the world.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

As of this year we’re all in our 30s

[@mikec5400]

ya its crazy all the money out there being wasted all the advancing tech and ideals and we still have no answer at all for the impoverished citizens. Wellfare and Snap is a complete joke. But hey they want to keep us little rats poor so they can keep us under control

[@ditrys.]

Glad to hear that. I hope you're doing good now. Did the documentary helped at all?

[@cocolade99marmie]

@@ellenkavanagh1Darling girl I hope you now have a better life for you and your family.I was saddened to see what you had to go through as a child.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

@@cocolade99marmie I have a better life now then when I was younger. I do feel like I appreciate things more.

[@rivkahhoneysgirl5442]

Shame on the landlord for allowing his property to be so deplorable!!! At least they were willing to do the work to upgrade to a bigger place. They may be poor and have too many kids for being in poverty but at least they play with their children... More than I could say for a lot of parents who are not poor.

[@paige-ue9cs]

In the state I live in, it isn’t even legally required to provide a working front door. Some states have no renters rights, it’s very disheartening.

[@alimay6736]

@@paige-ue9cs I live in Arizona and we're supposed to have state revised statues for The Landlord and Tenant Act. The key phrase is supposed to no one here in Metropolitan Phoenix where I live follows those policies. They do pretty much what they want how they want and if they do anything like like for example we have a new Walmart in my neighborhood which allowed a lot of property owners to be able to raise their rent at least $100 and as much as up to $1,000. They say it's because a new store is considered an improvement to the neighborhood. Also the property that I live on the maintenance team decided they were going to take the clubhouse and divide it up into two apartments which made everyone's rent go up. Then they started using that fetch delivery service and that added an extra 20 to $50 on our rental bill as well whether we use the services or not. They don't fix things properly either. There was a young lady who had complained about how they turn the water off to do " maintenance" to the water line. She started a petition to have other tenants to sign. I have not seen this lady in about 3 years I think they retaliated against her. I agree with you it's very disheartening and it's just so wrong on so many levels.

[@melejohansson3652]

The landlord will be exposed by someone after watching this documentary. The children are visibly upset by the experience. I’m glad to read the kids are doing well now! That landlord could learn from these wonderful kids!

[@alessiaavila4830]

She seems such a good mom to me...

[@genespell4340]

@@alimay6736 I don't even take your comment serious. It sounds too Farfetched. And, if you want to be taken seriously start using punctuation. Periods, commas, question marks and etc..

[@trueheart8739]

I love the attitude and spirit of these children. I don’t hear complaints and they always have smiles on their faces. God bless them all!!

[@wai-q2k]

And then the adults chain smoke, using money they don't have and risking not only their health but that of the kids! My heart goes out to the children.

[@BridMhor]

You don’t know how much they smoked. And you didn’t see them smoking in front of the children. They were obviously under a lot of stress, smoking helps with that. It’s all moot as now they’re all grown up with probably children of their own. The documentary was made in 2003.

[@MrsEJV]

The mom is standing in the living room doorway smoking when she’s worried about the landlord not keeping the cleaning deal and the dad is puffing away when they are handling out the thrift store clothes. I always wonder about cigarettes, liquor and pets when there is no money for food.

[@ginainfantino411]

@@BridMhorShe was smoking in front of the children on the program. Food first.

[@ginainfantino411]

@@MrsEJVExactly. It’s BS!

[@goingunder2548]

​@@BridMhor If they were drinking two bottles of wine every night instead of cigarettes would you see it the same way?

[@wisterialane6709]

As a kindergarten teacher, I’ve taught in one of the poorest school systems in the south.. oftentimes school is the only place these children feel stability and love. It is quite possibly the hardest and most emotionally draining professions.

[@isay207]

Teachers are 😇angels

[@wisterialane6709]

@@isay207 thank you ❤️

[@cmg624]

The teacher was so sweet how she said that the kids from poorer backgrounds were lovely kids with great manners and how well they were raise .

[@ernestalopez5926]

Beautiful, well mannered children. The mother is doing something right!❤️

[@rmh691]

Are you kidding? These kids should be in foster care where they can be with responsible parents and have a chance of a good life. Not an idiot mother who doesn’t understand birth control and smoke cigarettes when she can’t afford to buy her kids food. No sympathy here

[@ernestalopez5926]

@@rmh691 There are children in homes that have everything they need and are bad mannered. That's what I was referring to, the fact that they must have love and discipline in a balanced manner.

[@Pinkkermit17]

Children are great,,, the mom sucks ,, she needs to go hold a job and so does that man of hers… lazy SOB

[@manners-84]

You can’t be selling a part of your life, that line struck a chord with me

[@tammykelsey7877]

I literally cried for these children while watching this! I was raised VERY poor. Looking back I remember always living feeling ashamed and embarrassed. It is NOT the way an innocent child should feel and brings about a feeling of hopelessness . . . AND ALL CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO FEEL HOPEFUL ABOUT LIFE!

[@ellenkavanagh1]

I know I Hope for better when it comes to my children just like my mom did in this movie! 😊

[@pamelar3257]

@@ellenkavanagh1 I'm so glad to hear that you are all doing well. You should be proud of that. God bless

[@taramoonshadow7260]

Heidi is an ANGEL for befriending this wonderful family!

[@snowblindart]

Having been raised in poverty and having raised a son in poverty, I fully relate to all of this. What a lovely family they are. I wish them the best in life. Those kids will all succeed.

[@lovelocked5385]

Hopefully not traumatized by being so poor. It really can damage a person. I was one of 5. None of us are fully ok

[@snowblindart]

@@lovelocked5385 I agree 100 percent. Being raised poor definately damaged me also. But now I try to win that battle IN SPITE of my past ♡

[@punkyshrewster2736]

Why are the parents having such difficulties with maintaining jobs? I wish the documentary had explained more about that.

[@jaycristoval6155]

Her current husband is clearly autistic/Asperger's...... we can be chronically unemployed. Or in my case, chronic workaholics..... two sides of the same coin......

[@Humanoid1977]

This popped up after having a day.of being angry about crap going on in this world....I needed this. Although it is frustrating to see landlords do this, to see this beautiful family be so positive thru such hardships......its so touching. I wish the the best of luck and I'll take these "poor" yet honest, hard working and loving people any day over the average wealthy person.

[@gsxr1189]

What part of her attempting to scam the landlord asking for reimbursement on $1,300 in "cleaning supplies" was honest? $1,300 seems to be alot to spend on cleaning supplies.....nothing suspicious about that. What part of her having no job & having 6 kids that the tax payers are now forced to support is hard working?

[@Humanoid1977]

@@gsxr1189 scam? That place was filthy. Paint alone costs several hundred dollars. That's nothing.

[@gsxr1189]

@@Humanoid1977 Yeah scam and they didn't paint hardly any of the interior. No way paint for parts of a few walls was $700

[@CCAnne]

@@Humanoid1977 they were not paying any rent she never paid anything so clesrly one free month rent for cleaning doesn’t equal months, my dad an step mom did this all the time they never paid rent we’re evicted 1 or 2 a year constantly it’s disgusting, they always blame everyone the landlord is the blame he’s suppose to not have income because he’s rich, I heard this my entire life the mentally is absolutely unbelievable, and they believe it. You have one socket that doesn’t work they would think it means no rent now because we have 20 others but that one in the corner means we can live for free I mean I’ve heard it all. Why no one takes them in the family is because they know they won’t pay an they won’t leave without a long battle in the courts, not to mention my step mom an dad lied all the time saying only 2 kids or 3 when there were 7, 6 an then me for visitation. My dads parents took custody of me at birth I had serious medical issues so I got to live 50 : 50 when my dad an step mom could get me to school, anyway to this day my dad passed but my step mom an ALL of the kids ALL get evicted every year, and now all there kids , an they all move in with each other it’s a mess, only 2 of my step brothers pay the rent an have had the same place for more then 6 months the others it’s unbelievable. I’ve done all I can to help I’ve gotten them several apartments helped with charity’s to loan money well give to pay to get into places, and eventually you see that you can’t change the way they believe I just pray for them everyday because the kids don’t deserve it, it’s not hard rent comes before anything else, they have food stamps food is no issues many food banks sn me an others always give food but for some reason never rent

[@CCAnne]

@@Humanoid1977 this was 20+ years ago I just painted my kitchen an hall an dining an living room area 700 sq feet there about an it was $120 for the brushes an everything I got so no way back then was it hundreds. Now I got the pain that was extra ones they made an people ended up not wanting so it was cheaper but that’s it

[@rna1561]

So many spoiled brats in the world and these sweet well behaved kids are living in tents. They deserve the world. Bless momma rice she tried and stayed stronger than I could ❤️

[@trillion42]

This was my childhood as well. Thank you for sharing. People need to understand the wall of poverty. You learn that the world is always against you and no one really cares or understands what it is like to live this way with adult worries 24/7 every damn day of your childhood. You grow up always expecting the worst.

[@ellybean5868]

Exactly, so people should not get angry when bringing up the topic of birth control. Children should be allowed to be children and live a carefree life, not be saddled with constant adult problems.

[@tonik1341]

Then you should be angry with your parents or parent. It isn't the world that caused your world or childhood. That was my childhood as well but I sure don't blame the world I blame my mother for having kids she shouldn't have.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Toni I don’t think that they were blaming everyone else, they were rightfully stating that they’re glad they showed the reality of people who have kids that they can’t afford.

[@rd1149]

@@tonik1341 what a sad, sad life you must have. To hate your mother for trying her best.

[@angelgirl9652]

I know this will likely cause backlash but I gotta be honest here. I just don't see the logic in having kid after kid after kid when you know you won't be able to take care of them the way they deserve. Despite everything they've been through though I gotta give her props for raising such polite and well mannered kids. I hope the kids are able to break the poverty cycle when they all have families of their own.

[@ss-zz6ii]

Oh no u are 100 percent correct . Its irresponsible of her to have children one after the other .

[@ellenkavanagh1]

@@ss-zz6ii I’m not sure if it’s irresponsible, in life you have many obstacles and learning curves, you never know maybe the children needed to see this and it makes them better people for it. I don’t know but it’s a learning thing for everyone, she did a good job at what she was able to do at the time.

[@danielcunningham6727]

​@@ellenkavanagh1I can guarantee you now NO kid needs to see this no kid deserves to live in poverty the trauma from growing up in poverty can last a lifetime there's literally no excuse when contraception exists.

[@lindastone123]

I agree

[@annabelladebonnay8320]

Problem solved IF IN NEED,DO'NT BREED!!!!

[@kandismith3911]

Im beyond grateful that my grandpa chose a career that took care of my grandma until she passed away. she raised me. I lost my dad at 6mos,GPA at 3yrs and mom at 3.5 yrs. we never struggled. I always feed people and help when i can. im in tears watching this. i lived in the same house for 33 yrs. I brought 2 kids hone from the hospital to GMA house. i was devastated when she passed 14 years ago. still not the same

[@Angela-ix2ff]

Where you 19 when she passed? I also was raised by my grandma. And I miss her so much. She was everything to me.

[@carriebizz]

I know this is 22 years old now, 2002 is when I had my first child, I'm Australian and so thankful our government helps support low income families and we have free healthcare. We also have school uniforms and I honestly believe having uniforms stops alot of bullying as everyone is dressed the same. My kids have always been thankful for uniforms. No child should bully anyone over clothes or wealth status

[@MusicLoverMN]

Your family is lucky 🍀❤️

[@michaeltrey2248]

Luckily Canada also has free health care so they at least had that.

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

Same in Sweden. Gouverment helps low income families, free healthcare and dentist.

[@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736]

This is from 2002, so you meant 20 years ago?

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

@@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736 In maths down under you always add by 2

[@carolwilliams894]

I would just hope that after the kids gave up their belongings, the mom and boyfriend gave up their smoking. That's fair

[@misst.e.a.187]

I do believe they shouldn't have been smoking indoors, especially as tenants, but also to set an example. This was, however, 20 years ago.

[@patriciashelton6644]

Both smoking is very expensive.At least two hundred dollars a month back then

[@sch728]

Exactly, take food out of your kids mouths for that disgusting habit.

[@darrenchilds8980]

@Peanut Butter part of poverty at least it isn’t meth

[@CCAnne]

@@patriciashelton6644 not in the 90s it was $2 a pack for newports the cheap cigarettes you could have a carton for $20

[@blue8710]

One thing that is beyond my comprehension is why would a person with serious economic problems want to have so many kids. They're making their own situation even worse, not to mention the suffering of the kids.

[@brookiegremlin6660]

I have no sympathy for this woman at all.

[@jenniferhicks6507]

Plus she smokes! WTH???

[@Jayyy048]

I used to think the same thing but if Canada is like the US, birth control like condoms for dudes and pills for women are all either pretty expensive over the counter stuff or prescription drugs but only for people with healthcare and programs offering that stuff for free aren’t widely known. Studies have shown that government healthcare is worse than having no healthcare. Also, reproductive education is reserved for the middle class that can regularly go to school and search things on their phones/computers. Like I said, I thought the same thing like why do they do this but poor people actually aren’t given the same opportunity to control how many kids they have and aren’t as educated in the sense to know pulling out doesn’t work, etc, etc.

[@nicki_purple]

I agree why have children when thins is something you are dealing with

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes😊😊😊

[@judynguyen1579]

I love that the teacher told a half-truth to protect the family.

[@limitedaxcess]

Grew up in a poor working family with two working parents, my mother would make me beautiful hand embroidered blouses ( back in the early seventies) and Kmart jeans were all they could afford. I too was picked on, a chubby ginger girl and by the sixth grade I was fighting girls off me everyday after the bus dropped us off. Thankfully my Dad taught me to whoop some butt and by eighth grade it stopped

[@gabib.8995]

i take it as a warning for myself and all young women, do not get busy with worthless men, get your education, get your money, get out of poverty, live your best life and become rich as you deserve it

[@MissSweetBabe]

I guess this should apply to BOTH men and women, not women only.

[@kathymeacham2977]

I have a child with a man like this I worked mybutt off to provide for me and my son he has asbergers and was sick a lot and in and out of the hospital and his dad never held a job to help now he the day is 51,000 dollars he owes in back child support or go to jail. My son today is 28 years old and doing well he lives with me but works and helps find people who are established not ones who want to mooch off you

[@battybethc8061]

TRUTH! ☝️💯%!👍

[@battybethc8061]

@@MissSweetBabe Yep! It should! Alot of Double Standards!

[@wolfc8755]

Get _everything_ in writing, signed by both parties.

[@mylenahbug3602]

Thank you so much for shining a light on the poverty we experience here in Canada , not many know about this and its not talked about still in 2023.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

It’s just so sad that it’s still going on 😢

[@GirlsNDragons]

@@ellenkavanagh1How’s your mom? How are your siblings? Are you guys in a better place?

[@ellenkavanagh1]

@@GirlsNDragons yes we're in better place now.. we're all in our 30's.. my mom has moved on. Richard and Breanna live in southern Ontario still. Zak lives in Newfoundland, I live in northern Ontario my mom does too.. as for Kait she's sorta in between I think I haven't really spoken with her recently.

[@B6east]

Saddest to me is what these nice children were learning. They’re trying to raise the children so that they may have a BETTER life, but - as their mother said - they are seeing that bullies win, and if you are poor you have very few rights. Glad they had a decent place to live at the end of the story but I wonder how long that lasted for them before they suffered another blow. My heartfelt thanks to the French teacher, and others who were willing to help. I’m always grateful for what I have, and contribute as much as I can to those less fortunate, but sometimes it feels like a drop in the bucket….now if EVERYONE gave as much as they could………

[@arcbrush]

I hope they learned to have less kids

[@MegaTinni]

That's just life. We are well off compared to my childhood, and my kids were still bullied as well at times. About 'if everyone gave as much as they could' is not really the solution in all situations. It creates dependency and takes the responsibility and worth of the self away, which aggravates the situation.

[@nopopkrap4]

@@arcbrush ????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[@lenamcguire2659]

@@arcbrush exactly stop pumping out so many kids when you can't afford it, generations of poverty and generations of more than 3 kids in a family, break the cycle and have less kids.

[@RayRay-jj4zu]

@@arcbrush YES!! I was just about to write ... they could learn that having fewer kids is less expensive. They could learn to have kids with someone who wants them, and if that fails stay single rather than get with another scrounger. They could learn that most people have to work for a living and can't live off the state forever and expect handouts. They could learn that smoking is expensive and not to start. They could learn that if you don't pay your rent you will get evicted and therefore rent is probably more important than food (Kay was not missing any meals, was she?) I would rather my kids were hungry I'm afraid than homeless. I can get hold of a sandwich for free a lot easier than I can find a house to live in.

[@karenhughes8333]

I grew up one of seven kids in an affluent area outside of Washington, D.C. My Dad was a salesman who barely made ends meet. There were times when we had absolutely no income. My parents were young, proud, but naive. They knew there were social safety nets out there to assist them but turned their backs on what they referred to as handouts. Never ever, not once did they seek public assistance. Our clothes, shoes, and toys came from second hand stores when they could afford it. I owned one pair of jeans that I wore everyday for two years. They were replaced when the crotch was fully worn away. I remember the power being turned off many times, and more then a handful of times when temperatures were below freezing. We had a fireplace so we all slept together on the floor in front of the fireplace and the babies in the household slept in the kitchen with the gas stove on. Breakfast was oatmeal with milk and sugar. Lunch was packed with PBJ sandwiches. Dinner was a pot of something, often potato soup made from potatoes, onions, water, and margerine. There were no snacks, no pop just water or milk (if there was enough because it was reserved for breakfast). When we were old enough, or could get away with it, we were working. I started babysitting, fulltime, at the age of 12 over summer vacation and every weekend during the school year. I had illegal jobs by 14 pulling 10 hour days on Saturdays and Sundays packaging airline meals at a local food processing plant. MOST of our money went back into the household. We couldn't afford vacations, there were no summer camps, and we entertained ourselves. It was tough growing up in the only rented house in our neighborhood surrounded by kids who were given everything and didn't need to work. We were embarrassed and our neighbors never realized how dire things were at times because our parents made sure that we kept up appearances. The grounds of the house were always well kept and the house was always clean and in excellent condition. We all managed to achieve better lives then our parents, get educations and go into secure careers. None of us are struggling and we're all set for retirement. The cycle stops with the generation coming up, recognizing what can be achieved and working toward making your lives better.

[@martinasikk6162]

Thank you for your comment. Best wishes from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@danielcunningham6727]

So basically your parents forced u to live in poverty just to keep up appearances....

[@jameslaskowskijr5993]

It's so hard for me NOT to blame THE mother. Knowing what she came from, why would she have so many children? Why would she have childen knowing she could not even pay for herself. I am struggling to comprehend why she should not be to blame for causing those children to feel so defeated.

[@esbyb1241]

Exactly. If you are already struggling, why would you not struggle even more if you continue to have kids?

[@teresacorley7874]

Why hasant the husband tryed to find work

[@jacobriggs7483]

He needs to do what us real men do.. take care of your family , no matter what you have to do... pisses me off

[@smuggreycat8137]

Absolutely

[@satlva2908]

@@nettils5555 cause she hasn't "tryed"

[@jeni2114]

What a women of integrity. May God bless her and her family ❤

[@karenacuffhendricks1]

Well, She’s crying about not having food for the kids while both her and her husband are chain smoking away. Don’t be smoking in small houses with all of those kids. It’s dirty and unhealthy, and expensive. You could buy a lot of food if you didn’t buy those cigarettes.

[@ashlieleavelle]

I agree. My Husband's Uncle years ago complained they couldn't pay rent. But they spent around $650 a month on cigarettes. I think the Mom loves her kids, but if she stopped smoking that is more money for food.

[@ralphkilloran8065]

This video should be watched to prepare people for the soon coming economic depression with its widespread poverty. People who have in past have experienced poverty know what I am talking about.

[@rivkahhoneysgirl5442]

And people who read scripture as well.

[@WarmongerYT]

Agreed

[@ConnorGhostHeart]

I hate seeing all these comments that address the past and forget that you can't change it. You have to focus on the present moment because that's all we have to change the future for this family in particular. I hope they find stability, and make good lives for themselves.

[@thatdancingdiamond]

This is the first supportive comment I’ve seen. You’re amazing.

[@kunya5882]

This is no supportive at all. In fact it is from a statistical an soziological point of view a very dumb comment. Your socio-economic past determines whether you make it or not….

[@l.g.4075]

Past behavior is the greatest predictor of future behavior.

[@ConnorGhostHeart]

@@kunya5882 I stand by my point. Also, morality is important. Why don't you find some? Don't say that my comment is dumb because you disagree with it. You are rude.

[@lianefehrle9921]

Why did I watch this. Too many bad memories. This brings back when my kids were growing up and their stepdad was abusive and left me with twenty bucks a week after he took the rest of my check. We were very poor. I heated with a wood burning heater on top of it being my stove. I washed cloths by hand with the water that I drew up from a well. We didn’t have electricity or running water. We washed ourselves from a bucket that was inside of a tub. I heated that water on the wood burning stove. I wish I could go back and do things over for my kids to have had a better life. I was so hungry because I didn’t eat for three days so my kids could eat that a can of dog food smelled so good to me that I almost ate it. Luckily a friend came over with a can of small hotdogs and crackers and made me eat them. I am 5 foot three inches and was 95 pounds, Only from being hungry. Those days are gone and I own my own home a three acres of land. Payed for by hard work and determination.

[@justjonni9330]

The brother trying to gain $200 off her moment of disparity was just cruel and sadly that landlord will be doing the same thing to another struggling family… and will get away with it!

[@robinredwine1417]

The Landlord probably got beat up by a not-so-tolerant guy tenant!

[@bookmagicroe9553]

@Just Jonnni: I am not judging the brother. He's probably poor too. This family of 8 will probably use his bath/shower, we don't know if he can share food. If the family uses his TV or is in the house during storms, then his electric will go higher as well. When we had 3 extra people stay with us, our water and electric bills went way up. I feel so sorry for this family.

[@Hotchocolatewith2sugars]

@@bookmagicroe9553 exactly no one is looking at the bigger picture . He’s given her somewhere to go. That is safe . His back yard. He has a family and bills . He can’t uproot his life for them. He didn’t put them in that situation. Sorry!!!!

[@pamelachandler1813]

What a brother 😡 So much for family helping one another.

[@marikoyatsu3928]

OK. Wait. This is cyclical-do you think the brother is rolling in money?

[@alexmonson5575]

Grew up under the poverty line in America, this hit so many nerves for me. We had no food, we had no parties, we also got used by our landlord. Although the world was fighting against us, one thing I will admit is that my parents let it defeat them, and they let the defeat be known to me as a child. At 22, I run my own women's photography studio, and work full time for a wage I can thrive on. If I wasn't poor, I would have not learned the value of persistence, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

[@annawalker5115]

I cried during parts of this. I thought I was poor growing up, but I see they had it so much worse

[@rivkahhoneysgirl5442]

I agree...but somehow in a small way it is comforting to not be an only child in this situation. At least they have siblings to comfort each other.

[@alex-qd6of]

@@rivkahhoneysgirl5442 that's why they're in this situation. Too many siblings.

[@roshelltannen9698]

I cried, too. I cried from laughter. She's a manipulative bum, and her husband is a loser.

[@alisaannunziato1084]

These children are amazing.their vibrant so greatful personalities will always take them far

[@poppyfield1619]

I know this is an old documentary, but Alex literally broke my heart..love him..if you ever read this Alex I hope your life turned out well, because you are a great person and had lovely manners, as all your siblings had💖

[@Htowntoodope]

I just seen on Kay’s fb that Alex has cancer 😭😭😭

[@poppyfield1619]

@@Htowntoodope oh my goodness how tragic 😥 thank you for that.

[@KQuinn672]

@@Htowntoodope as a cancer survivor feel his pain...

[@battybethc8061]

@@Htowntoodope OMG! That's so sad and tragic! As if those Childrens don't have enough Problems to worry about! All those Children are so sweet! They remind me of my Grandbabies! My Grandson is now 16 and my Grandaughter is 10. We live in Lawtowne, Massachusetts U.S.A.! And my Daughter is a single Mom and she is strong. Therefor her Childrens be strong! We don't have much, but what we do have is paid for and we have a Roof over our Heads and full Bellies. We are fortunate we have Love and Strength, most importantly!

[@marciabarreto780]

@@simoneward4217 I also would like to know. Tell me if you find out. I will also tell you if I find out.

[@sierrachoco5271]

When I began watching this documentary I thought it took place in the U.S.. I was absolutely shocked when I realized it was Canada. Best wishes to all Canadians from Buffalo, NY - I always loved talking to you guys when you visited Buffalo!!

[@lisalee2885]

How sweet of the the teacher to help so much. I hope they kept in touch. Would love to see update 20 years later

[@pipboy9862]

REST IN PARADISE ALEX 🤍 Gone too soon but won't be soon forgotten. Sending condolences to the family.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

Your right, he was only 32, that is too soon 😢🍍

[@ellenkavanagh1]

@@diannaveronica-cu4hg thank you, and I hope you and your kids are doing well now!❤️

[@ellenkavanagh1]

@@diannaveronica-cu4hg my mom yes. My nana she passed away 5 years ago to cancer.

[@captainpeacock4442]

@@ellenkavanagh1 So sorry to hear the sad news about Alex,such a lovely boy.Gone but Never Forgotten💔

[@ellenkavanagh1]

@@captainpeacock4442 🍍❤️

[@becci1229]

A Rice family update would be wonderful. I lived through this scenario with a family of 11 children. Let’s just say mom didn't marry well but we were loved, fed, and clean. Our housing was as confusing as theirs. I went to 4 different schools in 5th grade. Finally, mom found a rental that turned out to be our forever home; and, mom had to lie about how many children she had too. No telling where we’d be (disbursed by child services or in relatives homes) if she had been honest.

[@karencarney7595]

It's not an honesty or dishonesty issue. It's not a moral shortcoming, it's financiala ND thr game is rigged. By not being forthcoming about small details is survival and playing the game of it accordingly. It's not hurting or harming anyone

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

Karen it hurts the people who are honest and are denied the help that the liars get who also likely work and get extra money.

[@naobe5]

@M I A and in general....

[@GSutton]

At least one of the daughters - Kaitlynn - has done well She is a motivational speaker, and talks about her experiences growing up in poverty.

[@elevans5758]

I apologize when I sound heartless, because I do care for these children. What makes me angry is to read that this unmarried, single woman gives birth to 11 children. That is , in my opinion, totally irresponsible.

[@abellabarbie]

As someone who was also raised in extreme poverty, going on to have six kids is absolutely insane. You should not want to continue the cycle of destroying childhoods because you can't even take care of yourself, let alone be responsible for 7 lives. I feel for the absolute sweet children, but this is also such a selfish thing to do on the mother and bio-father's part.

[@HVS-gk7oo]

Preach!

[@isay207]

Sterilization is free in Canada

[@amandasparks3897]

Yes and also you notice she is smoking. I can’t stand it when they can’t afford food but can afford to smoke.

[@rubyparchment5523]

Sometimes I think I’m the only American woman who decided she couldn’t afford to have children, and didn’t. All the married women I’ve known are putting up with a lot, toe-ing the line (or else), while following every idiotic fad. Frazzled. (And the husbands still cheat.) Then there are the “Brave Single Mothers,” legions of them. No education, no child care, announcing their plight, lest you’re unprepared to help in their next crisis. Life’s not a Hallmark Special, is it?

[@cje3247]

Exactly. She is continuing the cycle and her children are suffering. You have to work to earn money. No one owes you anything. Control your fertility.

[@charlesmartin800]

Watching this have me so much prospective in life and how we take so much for granted. I hope 20 years later that family is doing amazing. Would love to see a follow up.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

No one has asked for follow ups this many years later! I’m one of the kids in the movie! 😊

[@skylargreen7156]

The kids are now in their thirties, I hope they now have a good life away from poverty. I would love to hear from them. My teenage years, in 2002, were also spent in poverty unfortunately but I managed to break the circle and today I have a good life. Thanks for the doc 😊

[@ellenkavanagh1]

Yes we're all in our 30's now, I am one of them who also broke the cycle and have a great life with my husband and kids. 😊

[@kn11102]

My parents are immigrants so I grew up very poor and the Catholic church near us helped us so much. They are some of the kindest people. My dad started his own business and we are much better off now so I’m able to attend college. We would not be here if it weren’t for the church’s help 🙏🏻 So thankful. I pray families like these get the help they need.

[@roshelltannen9698]

No, no, no. You're Dad (more than likely) immigrated to US/Canada or wherever with a work ethic. Everyone goes through hard times but she's always the victim, and her man don't work. She raising her kids to blame others, not get up and work hard. Letting her kids think it's everyone else's fault. She lazy and sorry. Im SURE your father/mother are not lazy nor sorry.

[@mikivanduyn9630]

​@@roshelltannen9698 obviously you missed the part where they said the mother is working 2 Jobs...

[@rsw__u]

@Donnell Okafor she was, idk even know if we're watching the same vid. you're expecting her to earn 600$ in a day?

[@roshelltannen9698]

​@mikivanduyn9630 Well, maybe if her man worked she wouldn't have to work two jobs. Not so obvious, she was unemployed most of the documentary.

[@crystalcrystal9050]

This really hurt me to my core! Mom, you’re doing a great job. I was homeless at the age of 17 with a child and once I got on my feet , I never looked back! Keep going mom!!! Your kids see every effort you do! ❤✨

[@carylemorrison2660]

This really makes me ill watching this story absolutely no need anyone should like live like this your doing great mom Bless you and your family ♥️

[@Pinkkermit17]

She’s not even working and spends her extra money on expensive cigarettes,,she should be spending that on food , or clothing for her family

[@ravenbaa7989]

You shouldnt have had kid not married

[@DDDawn23]

Im from a poor family. But i could NEVER comtinue the cycle. It saddens me that people continue to have kids in poverty while knowing what its like to grow up in that social economic class. Like why punish these innocent kids?

[@lemonhead222]

right!! why have more when you can’t take care of the ones you have now ?

[@fixinfkinsandwiches6183]

Or don’t have any if you can’t provide them a life worth living.

[@Alex-hr1bn]

@@lemonhead222 I'm a volunteer at a nonprofit fighting poverty and its extremely common to see the poorest families have the most children. Poor families don't get access to resources such as birth control, family planning or education in general and tend to make poor choices. The survival rate for their children is also lower so they have more children to "compensate". Families with more money and resources will commonly have fewer children. Don't blame the victim

[@dm3101]

that's very true.... can't they get free birth control in America? Im from Europe i don't know. But here i have a lot of friends going to the gyneco clinic and get free contraceptive for 3 months. And then another 3 months and so and so. @@Alex-hr1bn

[@lindseybrummert1634]

She’s smoking. She has 6 kids!? Wow.

[@trudyarcher7490]

This young man on this video will go far. You are valueable, loved and admired, you & your family. With love from Australia ❤

[@geylekinfraire8596]

This family may be poor but there is Love between them & the children are clearly happy. Props to this mom who does whatever she needs to for her children, And Carl needs to be working to help out.

[@brega6286]

Wait ...I know that being a stay at home parent is not valued because I did stay home with three children as much as I could until they were older. So...my social security is now minimal. In a divorce..I got no credit for staying home and raising my babies until they were old enough to tell me all about their day !! Even though I worked weekends and hours even during those times.so the babies did ot have to be with strangers. My ex had a business...and my contribution was devalued . He used most of the money to build his business.and resented the babysitting he had to do. ..I often had to ask my parents for help . I could have worked full time and paid 3/4 of my salary...but...my babies would have been brought up by ??? for 3-4 years. Oh right....the "system".

[@birdobserver7543]

The mom is breaking the cycle, it will manifest in her children. I hope the best for all of them.

[@karenhughes7185]

He too could get the same kind of job.

[@valeriewilliams3763]

Carl does need a job.

[@nuttybar9]

Love doesn't pay the bills or rent ,Money does.

[@jessedavid811]

Gold soul that mother, what a woman. The wrong people r rich in this unbalanced world. They r an awesome family, beautiful kids. I hope they're all doing great now, they so deserve it.

[@uhuraenterprise6372]

Ikr, the world is full of spoiled rich brats

[@lollipoplolly3925]

I really hope the kids stayed in education to better their chances in life. The parents were really nice and tried their best, the kids were fed, clean and went to school. I would love to see what happened to these lovely kids and mum and dad too, I really hope they are all well💛

[@DoubleDogDare54]

Rule of thumb - If the local county animal shelter would not find you suitable to adopt a dog or cat because you lack the resources to take care of it properly, don't have kids. You can't afford them.

[@sharonlafrenz8086]

Catholic

[@mikewacker1105]

As a kid I thought I grew up poor,boy was I wrong. As a adult I see what true poverty really looks like. I had it good..

[@nobody-bx3pq]

She has a brother close that wants 200$ a month for letting them camp in his backyard?! Knowing they got EVICTED, scammed hard by a landlord, had to sold most their possesions????! Whats wrong with these people...

[@itsmeQue48]

Right like you let those kids stay in the yard while it was pouring down raining wow!!! Glad this is old

[@christinagonzalez4022]

Yes, that seemed heartless! Sadly I have a sibling JUST like that, that will kick you right when your down. Stay positive & keep the Faith, the only way. 🙏🙏🙏🌻

[@jenfoster128]

Honestly he is probably the responsible sibling who has always had to go without so their mom could help her and has probably helped her many times and is finally sick of it. She has clearly been in crisis most of her adult life.

[@ArterialJames1990]

Maybe he can’t afford the extra 8 ppl using hos electricity and water and etc. He don’t owe her anything at all!! Why should he be shamed for only charging for utilities and food.. come on now this lady dating a man who doesn’t give her anything and somehow EVERYONE ELSE IS WRONG!? Why nobody holding her BOYFRIEND accountable? He couldn’t even find someone to take them in

[@ArterialJames1990]

@@jenfoster128 EXACTLY! And why not go after her BOYFRIEND!! This woman sitting on his lap and he is clearly a 🪵 LOG! Who doesn’t nothing!! Why show ur kids this type of MAN?? Also she keep saying what her kids will see about the eviction and stuff BUT SHE CONSTANTLY SHOWS THEM THAT THIS TYPE OF MAN IS OK!! He’s the issue here NOT HER BROTHER who wants them to pay for utilities!! $200 is definitely for electricity she’s using for those haircuts and water to shower and wash clothes and food to eat.. he’s the ONLY PERSON WHO HELPED! He could have said NO I DONT HAVE ANY ROOM

[@sherryknowles0811]

I can’t figure out why any one would keep having children in these situations….6 kids & you don’t have the means to care for them. I think when you have to feed your kids from the garbage can then it’s time to give up custody of them !

[@isay207]

Catholic church needs neglected children for the priests to abuse going on for centuries

[@rubyparchment5523]

(☝️Nigerian scammer alert.) Yes! You are so right, Sherry.

[@boobuglouisville3851]

Bless St Vincent de Paul! I’m a school case manager from Louisville and they have done a whole lot for my families regardless of their religion, legal status, whatever,.. they are angels

[@peggyowen3386]

God bless that French teacher. I also think it would be nice to get an update on the woman and her children and to see how they turned out as adults

[@Queen_Krchstein]

Jesus Christ, as someone who grew up in an extremely similar situation as those kids (I was about 3 when this was filmed, so they're all older than me) I felt for them and their mom. People who never had to grow up in poverty or on the brink of it will NEVER understand how traumatic it actually is. You don't dwell on it a lot when you're a child because your parent does their best to make sure you never know how bad it is, but you notice it. Kids always do. I just hope they're all doing well than okay in life now and that they're still as close as they were when this was filmed.

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

I don’t understand why she shared every piece of bad news and struggles with the kids. They shouldn’t have to worry about adult situations and thinking that they’re owed a home like she thinks.

[@ellenkavanagh1]

Best comment so far! Thank you:) Also as siblings some of us had kept in contact 😊

[@Johnieboi]

Carl needs to step up and get a job! That poor mom is at least trying.

[@rivkahhoneysgirl5442]

This story is very old. However I believe he could have sold newspapers on the corner we're done anything. Everything helps!

[@truthdogschell8473]

Well he didn’t have the six children she did she is unemployed also so her choices were not the best.

[@Hotchocolatewith2sugars]

@@truthdogschell8473 true but he made the choice to be with a woman with 6 kids. He chose to take on that load unnecessarily. He could’ve found a single child free woman to take advantage of .

[@HelloHello-zf2sv]

Makes me wonder why he lost the one he had?

[@pancakeface2570]

Why can’t she get a job? If she has a better chance of holding one he can stay home.

[@ApolloFreya]

You should only have kids if you have the means to afford them. At the end of the day it’s the kids that suffer most. Having that amount of kids takes a lot of money