Navigating Life with 10 Children: Budgeting Tips and Realities from Jane Brosseau

Jane Brosseau, a mom of 10 children between the ages of 4 and 19, is sharing her insights on managing a large family on a budget. Brosseau, who runs the blog 10 Busy Bees in southern Washington, describes her experience as “like hosting a birthday party every day, where the guests never leave.”

Despite the challenges of raising a big family, Brosseau emphasizes the importance of sticking to a strict budget to meet all her children’s needs. She shares her best tips for grocery shopping, events like Christmas, and finding affordable housing for a family of 12.

Brosseau’s budgeting tips include planning meals ahead of time, using rewards cards and digital coupons at local grocery stores, and shopping for secondhand items to save money during expensive times of the year like Christmas. She also stresses the importance of utilizing cash-back and reward programs to make purchases more affordable.

Housing has been a major stressor for Brosseau and her family, as rising rents have forced them to move yearly in search of affordable accommodations. Despite the challenges, Brosseau remains optimistic about the bond her children share and the joy of seeing all 12 stockings hung up for Christmas.

While managing a large family on a budget is no easy feat, Brosseau believes it is worth it in the end. She cherishes the bond her children share and the sense of community she has found through social media with other large-family moms.