Vanessa Wyatt, a 34-year-old mother of ten, is no stranger to criticism. From being told she’s “not old enough” to handle such a large family to facing accusations about benefit fraud, Vanessa has heard it all. Yet, she stands firm, explaining how she and her partner manage their family life while working and debunking misconceptions about government support.
Vanessa had her first child at 17. Now, with children aged from two to sixteen, she often encounters disbelief about how she can possibly manage such a big family. “People even joke that I must have three sets of triplets,” she says with a smile. Beyond motherhood, Vanessa is also open about her personal choices, sharing that she started Botox treatments at 25 and uses cosmetic fillers, embracing her own form of self-care.
What fuels much of the criticism Vanessa faces are outdated or misunderstood facts about benefits. She highlights the two-child limit on Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, meaning families cannot claim benefits for more than two children. Vanessa emphasizes that she and her partner work and do not rely on government handouts for their large family.
READ MORE: DWP Loophole Allows Some Pensioners to Receive £600 Winter Fuel Payments Instead of £300
READ MORE: Barclays Warns Renters of Potential £553 Loss Due to Housemate Disputes
Responding to the harsh comments, Vanessa remains composed: “When I see comments like this, I don’t take it personally. It reflects more on the person making the judgments than on me or my family.” Her message resonates with others in similar situations. One viewer, also expecting their tenth child, shared, “People always jump to conclusions about benefits without knowing the facts.” Another added, “It’s nobody’s business whether you get benefits or not. It’s sad how quick people are to judge.” A third echoed the sentiment: “We get judged all the time for having big families, but as long as we can support them, that’s all that matters.”
Vanessa’s experience sheds light on the challenges large families face in the public eye, especially under misconceptions shaped by social media and outdated policies. Her story encourages a more compassionate and informed perspective on family life and government support.