I’ve got 11 kids – the youngest is the most helpful, but trolls say she just wants the attention for being an ‘extra’
A MUM-OF-11 has sparked a fierce debate after sharing a heartwarming video of her youngest child on Instagram.
Being a mum to a bumper brood is no easy task – which is why Brenda Martin ensures her kids do all of their washing-up and serving their breakfast.
However, whilst the days can certainly get stressful, Brenda recently revealed that there’s a little special someone in the family who always looks after her the most – her youngest daughter.
The mum – who has five strict rules all of her kids have to follow – recently took to Instagram to post a clip that’s ”a tribute to her kindness”.
According to Brenda, who regularly shares parenting-related content on her page, the youngest of the family ”voluntarily does sweet things, like preparing a lovely hot bath” for her mother.
Serving a scrumptious breakfast consisting of fresh strawberries, a fried egg with some toast and a glass full of refreshing juice is also something the kid has done in the past – and Brenda appreciates it dearly.
”Not to say that kids #1-10 aren’t wonderful. We can’t imagine life without any of them and treasure each one greatly,” the mum told her 130k followers on the platform.
”But our youngest has surprised us with more acts of service than I can count, so this is a tribute to her kindness.”
She went on: ”And this is also to make a point. Had we listened to the naysayers and those who ridicule, we wouldn’t have as many precious souls as part of our family.
”Extra blessings come with “extra” children!”
But despite the lovely message, the video sparked a fierce debate, as people were left divided by the youngest child’s actions.
A fellow mum said: ”Not wanting to be mean but she probably does that to be noticed.
”The only reason I regret not having more children is because I hate being an empty nester and not taking care of someone, but those are very selfish reasons.”
Luckily, for the most part, the comments section was positive, as kind viewers raced to hit back at any trolls and meanies.
A parent said: ”Anytime I get some weird backhanded comment about the number of kids I have I am so tempted to say “so which one do you think shouldn’t be here then?“
”To (the outside world) they see them as numbers & any number bigger than four is looked down on.
To us, they are unique individuals worthy of the world!”
”Exactly! How can you say no to one more blessing?” another chimed in.
Another mum penned: ”Our #11 & #12 are two heroes of our family and I can’t imagine life without them too!! Totally agree!”
But how does Brenda ensure the house runs smoothly? Earlier last year, the mum revealed the top five rules all of her kids have to follow.
Not only do her children have to make their own breakfast, but the family also eats lunch and dinner ”buffet style”.
I’m not the kids’ maid… we are a team
Brenda Martin
Brenda also refuses to ”do meals in serving dishes at table” and by the age of eight, everyone has to do laundry.
Last but certainly not least, the parent also hands out daily and weekly household chores.
“And I’m not the kids’ maid… we are a team.
“They help carry the load and feel so needed & valued!”