Get delicious recipes like this from Home Cooking Made Easy.
These deliciously healthy fritters are gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian.
11 Kids and Wanting More is the incredible story of Australia’s most extraordinary family. Darren and Dale Chalk have eleven kids under the age of eight. They’re the only couple in the world known to have conceived two sets of quads back-to-back. And while most parents would be horrified at the prospect of bringing up so many little ones, Darren and Dale are over the moon and determined to have even more. In this one hour special, we see what life’s like in the Chalks’ oversized Brisbane household. With a grocery bill topping $900 a week and too many bodies to fit into one car, it’s certainly not the average family home. This documentary reveals the often difficult journey that Darren and Dale have undertaken to conceive their family. Each pregnancy was a risk for both Dale and the unborn babies. After eight births and the loss of a child, the fertility clinics would no longer offer assistance. Dale and Darren have been forced to find alternative ways to conceive their family. Facing criticism and accusations of being “addicted to having babies” their choices have met with controversy and even hostility.
Ha, child abuse because there are 11? Does that mean that every child sent to school with a class of more than 11 children to 1 teacher is being abused? Idiots!
What a fabulous couple. You can absolutely see how wonderful these children are because of their hard working parents. I think anyone who complains about the cost of having a child in the icu, is extremely lucky. I am a twin mother (natural identical twins). They came early and were in the icu for two weeks. (it could happen to anyone). I would love to see these guys do a series. I'd definitely watch it. This family is fabulous. These parents should be congratulated.
I'm interested to know how you think ANY of these children are sufforing from child abuse.
* Then all have nice, clean clothing on their backs,
* They are ALL well fed, none of them look malnurishied,
* They are all educated,
* They are all well behaved,
* You don't see them lacking ANY attention from their parents.
If you want to see child abuse, go knock on the doors of drug users & sellers, of a prostitute, or those 16 year old children who only have a child because of the baby bonus. Those children are the ones we should be worried about!
Well Said Emma709!
What a fantastic mother and father! You can tell that you both really enjoy being parents.
I agree !
When do the tax payers get a say? This selfish fool, selfish for raising 11 children who will never have the opportunities, parenting time, schooling and general life experiences offered to them. Selfish because her body clearly can't handle having children, so we have had to pay millions in premie hospital bills. Then about $5000 a fortnight in Centrelink payments! What, all so she can turkey baste strangers' sperm into her failing reproductive system to fulfill her own selfish whims! Love kids that much? Then how about going and getting a job as a teacher or something, and start making a valid contribution to society.
Steve,
This is big coming from a MAN. When you have a reprodeuctive system & a **** then comment on what she's doing. If you were a woman whose HUSBAND was the reason you couldn't have children then you would think that a SPERM donar was a godsend. If she wasn't able to carry children because she had a failing reproductive system then she wouldn't have had 11 children. She has had Premeture children because she has had multiple children during one pregnancy. If you were a woman you know it's a lot on your body to carry one child at a time, let alone 4. As for centrelink, her husband works multiple jobs so even if they are on a centrelink payment HE is a TAX PAYER & can have as many children as he wants! This is why YOU as a TAX PAYER don't get a say. Sperm donars, surrogates & egg donars are like angels to those who are in love & for some reason or another cannot together have a family! Also, 30, 40, 50 years ago it was totally accepted & not uncommon for a woman to have 6 or more children, but because it was natural noone made a noise. Children born into families with only one or more children to a 16 year old single mother don't get the opportunities or as you say 'general life experiences offered to them' either, but I don't see you as as a TAX PAYER ripping shreds off them! Darren & Dale are a happy loving MARRIED couple & you think you have the right to put their family down! Shame On YOU!
I had to register just to add my two cents to this. I have watched this documentary twice, carefully. Australia's Most Extraordinary Family is overstating, but pure journalism. Fact is Darren Chalk is more deserving of being cast as a bronze statue than any spin bowling, ... excuse for an Aussie male. What kind of legacy and inspiration do we represent as Australians to future generations? Uncovering a bronze statue of a sport playing dude with no integrity in 500 years will tarnish our history. What about a man mountain, with a genetic imperfection, who works as an AMBO (all hail xxx), and loves and supports his children beyond biology. This in a screwed up society where biological fathers run for the hills and many, many other unjust situations exist for our Australian children. Darren Chalk stands for me like a beacon of light. There are wonderful, amazing, good humans out there and he is one of them.
Extremely well said.
My concern is that the doctor comments that it cost $100,000 for each week a child is in a neto natal care unit. While I think this price might be a misquote. The doco called the Price of Life done on the ABC. Indicates that most premature babies will cost $200,000 by the time they go home. I would say quads would actually be more because they would be likely to stay longer in hospital due to date born and size, etc. So even with the three remaining second set of quads it would have cost (for the three remaining children) - a min of $600,000. Plus if you consider the first set that's another $800,000. Then the set of twins where serious complications $400,000. So that's $1,800,000. Um! I don't think they covered their own cost with this. I mean it's nearly 2 million dollars of treatment, just to take their children home. She also needs to think now of the children she has to care for with her DH, with the risks of the twin pg. In other words she needs to stop. I can see why the medical authorities don't wish to be involved in her achieving a pg. This said they seem like a really engaging, charming and functional/and happy family. I have to say though imagine if the older child (lovely girl) wasn't the person she is and didn't want to take on the leadership role that she has.
And how much does it cost to process an asylem seeker? Much the same I believe. Let's leave this couple be :)
For all of you who have crictised the family how many of you stopped watching? Not too many I would think. And those who think it wrong I suppose you don't like the Duggers or the Gosselin's. But we all have choice. Its a shame that some prefer to crictised than change Chanel. As for the one baby policy maybe you should read some of the horrific stories of baby girls being killed or buried alive just because they are girls.
Child abuse? You are crazy. Large families are absolutely capable of "sharing the love" with all children. You always have enough love to go around. They are doing a fantastic job. Good on them!!!!
:- )
Parents really need to stop being Selfish and think about the children and their needs. Having 11 children does not give every child quality parent time. I believe it is child abuse.
First of all....that's not child abuse, check your dictionary....second of all if they want 11 kids than they can have 11 kids.....finally stop critising them, if you don't like the show then don't watch it, but personally I think that the way they are raising their kids is wonderful so good on you darren and dale....... oh and please make another episode!!!!
It doesn't make it selfish just because they have 11 children and are trying for more. I have actually met these people when they came shopping in the store that I work in although I had no idea at the time who they were. They spent a good hour in the store and not once did they ignore or leave out any of the children. They appeared to be doing a pretty good job considering the amount of kids they do have. I get parents that come in with only 1 or 2 kids and they couldnt even handle that. Maybe you should stop be so judgemental especially with something that isnt doing you any harm
People need to get over themselves and stop judging.. Live your own lives.. Who gives a ... what someone else does, if u don't condone it don't watch it!
Botox? I'm fairly certain that if anyone was going on TV they'd want to look their best. Government payments? A pittance compared to what the politicians voted themselves ($90,000 pay rise a year). Irresponsible? They devote their lives to their children. Offends you? Ever thought about changing the channel!
Wow Hannah, it must really affect you that Darren and Dale have what you don't. For you to sit on the centrelink website and take the time to calculate what they may get (by the way, with what the Husband earns, it is no where near that amount). I have noticed you have taken the time to comment on every other positive feedback, with a negative, of course. As a close friend of the family I happen to know that they owned their own home and cars even before they were married (11 years ago). Unlike you. They are an absolute wonderful family, loving, caring and I just love how they are both on the same page with child rearing. Thank you both so much for a little insight into your lives. I will be trying quite a few of her methods.
I totally agree..
Just loved how Dale bought $900 worth of groceries and walked out of Coles with ONE trolley. Husband earns $1400 p.w and they have a $900 p.w food bill. Hmmmm. From what I have read on the centrelink website, they receive $1100 p.w in family benefits. I think Mrs Chalk needs to stop with the inseminations and look after what she has. Wondering also, if they even own their own home?
Do people as you if YOU own your own home? I know people who slug their guts out week in week out & they don't own their home! WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?
I think this is a good show this family Is so organized it's not funny they are a happy healthy family
Do you know what organized means? Did you see her house? ... everywhere. Not to mention how she practically throws the kids plates at them. Wonder why she had all her piercings removed??
this woman is delusional, she doesn't like children she likes babies.
they say the husband earns $1400 and $900 goes on food - the don't tell you about the massive family payments that they receive. She is self obsessed, won't buy her kids a treat but her face is full of botox, fillers and enhancements. Having such high risk pregnancies and births is a huge drain on hospital services not to mention taxpayers. I have no problems with someone having as many kids as they want but don't make the taxpayer pay for them.
Diamond girl.... regardless of your point - why should taxpayers (ME) have to pay for a woman to keep popping out babies that she can not afford!!
This makes me SO cranky! I personally have struggled with multiple miscarriages and I earn more than Darren does (plus I have a husband who works full-time), but I know full well that I can not afford to do IVF and and then pay the bills once the baby is born! I would not expect others to pay for my lifelstyle choices!
Watching Dale it is clear that she is more consumed with the 'feeling' of having new babies in the house and less concerned with the physical toll it is taking on her! How would Darren and the exsisting children get by if she did not survive another childbirth!
I don't hear you complaining about the pay rises the politicians regularly give themselves. What this family receive is a pittance compared to that!
It saddens me to think that there are so many people out there that judge people they do not know. I can proudly say i am a friend to Dale and Darren and i was there when the quads came home and have watched these kids grow into wonderful, polite and well adjusted little people. It angers me to no end when people judge. To those negative people would you like someone to come judge your backyard. NO so until you have positive words to say please go away and look after your own backyard.
Your right. I would'nt like someone to come judge my backyard. That is why I DO NOT go on TV and open myself up for criticism unlike the Chalks. Unfortunately when you put yourself on TV, expect negative words not just positive.
I wonder why the show seemed to not mention that 2 of the quads are deaf? Plus, she has had a chemical peel on her face. Makes me wonder WHY these people want so many children. I think they have an ulterior motive as from what was shown she doesn't interact lovingly towards those kids.
Being a mother of 8 all single pregnancies from 5mth to 18, I take my hat off to you both, I saw a lot of your story in our own family. People laugh when I say our family car is a bus. The things I know my kids miss out on are the holidays etc, a simple trip to the zoo can cost 2 weeks wage so we choose not to go, I feel sad for them missing out on these things when their friends all get to go but on the other hand it has taught our kids to save and respect the simple things. Takeaway in our house is something the kids look forward to not a right. I too would love to have more but having already had 3 c-sections due to a premi baby I doubt this will be an option. I did have my last baby using IVF as I felt pressured to have my tubes tided with my 7th child. I must say if I was Dale I would seriously consider not trying again she has already had several serious complications and could be taking to much risk by trying again, those kids need a mother no matter what.
well it's all about the mother not the children she wants children for the attention look at me i have 11 kids lets get real it's all about her she is either a middle child or a only child. wake up we are just as guilty to promote such a life style by commenting on the the subject. ITS ALL ABOUT ME! hay she maybe a great mum but it's not the individual child its all to do with the mother sadly enough it doesn't take a specialist to see such reckless behavior.
What are trying to say?
Just 2 generations ago, my grandfather was the youngest of 19 children and his wife was the eldest of 13. I don't hear anyone critising their parents! I just caught the end of this show and the kids all seem very healthy and happy. I would rather my share of taxes go to help these people who want and love their children, than to the teenagers who have kids just for the welfare benefits. Or to right-to-life babies who arent wanted. Leave these people alone to live their life the way they want to.
I do not think this is irrisponsible of anyone. Darren and Dale, I commend you for living out your dreams. Your children seem to be delightful and if I lived anywhere near you I would offer my help to you both. Good luck for the teenage years. xoxox
How much child endownment and baby bonus do they get. Not too mention the cost of keepiing these babies alive in Intensive Care when our Health System can barely cope as it is. Irresponsible parents and Doctors who continued with fertility treatment.
I don't think that this family is the most extraordinary family in Australia. A family that takes care of the disabled, homeless and others who need help would qualify for this title. Just because you are able to use modern technology to produce so many children does not make you extraordinary. If you want to be extraordinary, give to the community and care for others, this is what would make a family extraordinary, not just having so many children.
Too right! Anyone who considers that this is "the most extraordinary family in Australia" when it revolves around a woman who merely thinks of her own wants in life is certainly not a positive comment on our society. Sure, she spends her time looking after her kids - she has to - but if she hadn't been so selfish, perhaps she would have had the time to help people already born in the community who would welcome support.
Oh and i have to add that i think shelby will make a great neo-natal doctor in the future and what an absolutely delightful child you are shelby xoxoxoxoxox
Dale and Darren you are both an inspiration!! i loved every minute of this show and next time i see you out and about i am going to come up and say hello!!! and to the critics and the negatives i say, yes u have a right to your opinion but you couldnt get better, devoted, committed parents than Dale and Darren and u would want any child bought up by this loving couple!! accolades, kisses and hugs to you Dale and Darren and 11 beautiful chalks!!!
I think good one them if they want more children, My daughter goes to the same school as their children & plays with a few of the girls, all the children are very polite. If they want more children then it is their choice, & why not do a t.v show gee i bloody would too if i had that many kids. I think good on them iv got 2 children & it's hard with them so hats of to your whole family. your children are beautiful so don't worry what others may say about you. Good luck in the future of having more children :)
ps: And if you actually watched the show they make enough money to support their family :)
Dale and Darren, good on you both. You have a gorgeous well adjusted family. They are all happy healthy kids. Don't listen to the critics, they have no right to judge. There are loads of people choosing not to have children. There are heaps of other people who cannot have children. You two are making up for a very small part of that loss in society.
China may have a restricted population but they also have no regard for human life. Hence the two year old who was run over by two vehicles and had heaps of people just walk past with no regard for this poor little girl lying there dying.
Darren and Dale, I admire your commitment and love to your family.
Has Dale honestly had the time with 11 children to have botox and lip fillers(restalyn) or is it just me??? Not judging- hats off to her, she looks fantastic. Just surprised that they would have the money for facial enchancements with 11 children???
think really good show and to the mum i think it great that want more kids you go girl love show
this is just sick!!! the world is horribly over populated as it is.. the world need to conform to china's 1 child policy!! or make so your need to prove you have a stable income & can support a family,,, its disgraceful that this is apparently worth putting on tv.. i really hope the family's reviving NO money for this,, but if they thought they where capable of providing for the kids (had the money), they probably wouldn't of gone on tv!!
Emma! Wow such positivity! Interesting contradiction,dumb ***! And I quote " Maybe if all the negative thinking people in the world were aborted (yes, I am referring to you and your mother) wow don't you think that statement is a little negative! I agree with Tam, not with the one child policy, but with some sort of means testing before selfish gits like the one in this show can produce kid after turkey basted kid!
I'm sorry these people can't have 11 kids because the world I's over populated? Get real! It's not ok for Australians to have as many babies as they want because of the population but let's see how many illegal refugees we can cram in to make a BIG Australia? Get lost idiot.
There is plenty of space in Australia for more children and for more people. Do your research before abusing a family you do not even know. Maybe if all the negative thinking people in the world where aborted (Yes, I am refering to you and your mother), then this world would be a much more positive place to live.
oh really...convert to China's one child policy? So does that mean they people should just drown any more babies born if they have more than one? Get real. Can you see how organised this family is with 11 children to constantly care about day after day. I bet you couldn't cope with half the amount. They should be commended for being excellent parents and devoting their time, money and everything they have to their children. None of your business if they did make money from this documentary , good on them if they did!
Realy, so people normaly conceiving twins or more should just abort?????? Are you nuts!!! You sick puppy
People have the right to choose how many kids they want but really... they have to take into consideration the risk of the pregnancy to them and the babies. And can they give the kids the attention they need?? There comes a point when you need to stop and ask yourself 'Is this selfish or is it a something the family wants and needs?' 11 kids, I would say stop, please, and give the children you already have the best life and love you can. For their sakes and not yours.
Well said.
question! When does this show start? I can not wait to find out the twins names. If anybody knows please post!!!!
OMG can'nt wait for this show to start i wonder if it will be better than sextuplets???????