Britain's busiest mum is expecting again: Mother of 12 announces that child No 13 is on the way... but she still refuses to claim benefits

By SARA SMYTH

One of Britain's most dedicated mothers, whose children range from seven months to 20 years old, revealed she is expecting her 13th child.

Tania Sullivan, 40, decided to turn her brood into a baker's dozen despite raising her family in a cramped five-bedroom house in Kent.

She said: 'I always wanted a lot of children, maybe six, but I never thought I'd end up with double that.'

Maternal: Tania Sullivan (left) hasn't stop at a dozen children. Her kids (top L to R) Paddy, Joseph, Harry, Eddie, Sid (bottom L-R) Ben, Oliver, Libby, Caitlin, Stephanie, Anna, Isobel) are between 20 year and seven months old

Full-time job: Even with the help of husband Mike, Tania Sullivan spends her time raising - and even teaching - her twelve children

Along with her husband Mike, 40, Mrs Sullivan has raised Ben, 20, Stephanie, 18, Caitlin, 13, Harry, 10, Eddie, eight, Sidney, seven, Paddy, five, Oliver, three, Joseph, two, twins Anna and Libby, 16 months and seven-month-old baby Isobel.

The full-time mother tutors her children and said her teaching methods reflect her parenting style.

 

More...

• Pregnant wife of hero soldier wounded in Afghanistan went into labour two months early after seeing horrific injuries and being told to say goodbye
• Beanz through the ages: How Heinz adverts have adapted over the last 60 years to try to capture the changing mood of the nation
• Couple aged 76 and 79 marry each other again 48 YEARS after they got divorced

'Home schooling does cost but the flexibility is priceless and the children learn so much more. I think they feel fortunate.'

'The only time they ask to go to normal school is when it's a snow day!'

Hand me downs: The Sullivan family won't have to invest in any new baby clothes, prams or toys as they have 20 years' worth to choose from

More than a mother: Seven-moth old Isobel (pictured in Mrs Sullivan's arms) will grow up to discover that her mother doubles up as the family's teacher

The Sullivans have raised their family in a modest five bedroom house in Hoo, Kent and are financilally independent. 

They are both self-employed and said they are self-sufficient by making their own bread, butter and jam and raising their own hens for eggs.

Eighteen-year-old Stephanie Sullivan said: 'My mum is absolutely amazing. She is more than just a mother, she is a friend when I need someone to talk to and a teacher when I need guidance.'

Mrs Sullivans' website largerfamilylife.com offers support and advice for other large families. 

Home made: The family make their own bread and raise hens for eggs in an attempt to be self-sufficient

Close knit: The family of fourteen live in a cramped five-bedroom house in Hoo, Kent