Karissa Collins, a 42-year-old mother of 11 from Fort Worth, Texas, has addressed public assumptions about her large family, particularly the notion that she is “addicted to pregnancy.” Collins, who shares her children with her husband, Mandrae Collins, also 42, explained that their expansive family was not a deliberate plan but rather a result of their faith and trust in divine timing.

Faith and Family Planning

The Collins couple’s 11 children, ranging in age from one to 16, all have names beginning with the letter “A”: Anissa, Andrae, Annnistan, Anjalie, Andersyn, Aynjel, Ansyr, Anchor, Anthym, Armor, and Arrow. Karissa stated that after they married, they decided to “trust the Lord with how many children we have,” which led to their current family size. She emphasized that pregnancies have been physically challenging for her, marked by significant illness and several complications during pregnancy and birth, including delivering her seventh child at 29 weeks. Contrary to the “addiction” narrative, Collins asserts, “We do not have an addiction. We just value life and trust God to give children in His timing and will, not ours.” She finds the assumption particularly ironic, given the known difficulties of pregnancy.

Personal Journey to Motherhood

Collins revealed that her path to motherhood was not one she initially desired. She described herself as career-driven and never having personally wanted children or the role of a mother. However, her perspective has evolved significantly, and she now considers her children “the greatest blessing we have and will ever have been given.” A sensitive point for Collins is the common question, “Are you pregnant?” which she finds difficult as it touches on her personal insecurities about her post-pregnancy body. While she doesn’t wish to appear pregnant when she is not, she also expressed a desire to be pregnant again, highlighting a complex relationship with her physical experiences of pregnancy.

Dynamics of a Large Family

Despite the challenges, Collins highlighted the unique benefits of raising a large brood. She described the environment as one where children have built-in companions and learn to navigate a dynamic social structure. The older children often play a role in caring for the younger ones, fostering a sense of responsibility and mutual support. Collins noted that the children genuinely enjoy helping with household tasks, which she encourages as a way for them to learn life skills. This collaborative approach, she finds, makes managing the daily routines of meals, baths, and bedtime surprisingly manageable, with the children eager to contribute.

Financial Management for a Large Family

Addressing concerns about the financial implications of a large family, Karissa Collins explained that careful planning and intentional spending allow them to manage their budget effectively. Her husband works in finance, and they employ strategies to keep costs down. For instance, when dining out, they often spend less than smaller families by purchasing food in bulk and opting for water instead of drinks. Their average fast-food bill is around $60, and sit-down meals typically range from $100 to $150. Grocery shopping is done at bulk stores like Sam’s Club, costing about $650 per month, supplemented by an additional $350 weekly for fresh produce and essentials. They prioritize water consumption, with soft drinks and smoothies reserved as occasional treats. Entertainment often involves free community events, and they utilize an annual pass for attractions to save money. The most significant recurring expense is related to their children’s participation in weekly basketball tournaments, averaging $300 per weekend during the spring and summer seasons.

Saving on Clothing and Goods

The family also employs savvy shopping techniques for clothing and larger purchases. Collins mentioned their success with thrifting for seasonal wear and finding affordable options at retailers like Walmart. For significant household items, they frequently utilize platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Collins believes that financial stability is achievable regardless of family size, stating, “I strongly believe we all adjust to whatever income source we bring in, no matter how big or small our family is, we can all find a way to make it work.”

Responding to Critics and Embracing Their Lifestyle

Karissa Collins welcomes questions about her family’s lifestyle, recognizing that many people are curious and may not understand their choices. She aims to share her experiences to show others that such a life is attainable and “much, much easier than it looks.” She advocates for responding to judgment with grace and emphasizes that she would never regret the birth of any of her children. While it is upsetting when people express negativity towards her children’s existence, she views these interactions as opportunities for personal growth and resilience. Collins encourages people to look beyond the number of children and see the love and value within her family, describing her children as “valuable, loved, cherished, adored, obsessed over, and blessings to this world.”

The Collins family’s story highlights a life built on faith, intentionality, and a deep appreciation for family, challenging common perceptions about large households.