Happiness knows no limits, as proven by the story of Melissa Ferland and Liam McCarthy, a family in Ottawa whose life is full of joy despite the challenges of raising five children. Learn more about their inspiring journey, shared by ottawanka.com.
The Family of Melissa Ferland and Liam McCarthy
Melissa Ferland and Liam McCarthy’s family is three times the size of the average household in Ottawa, making their story all the more captivating.
Melissa recalls the moment after their first child was born when she and Liam held their baby and basked in the joy. Their midwife jokingly predicted they’d go on to have four more children—a lighthearted comment that turned out to be prophetic.
Today, their five children—Abigail, Agnes, Emmett, Desmond, and the youngest, Maeve—grow up surrounded by love and care. Melissa and Liam share that their children are never bored, always finding joy and comfort in one another.
A Bit About the Parents:
- Liam McCarthy works as a negotiations coordinator for PSAC (Public Service Alliance of Canada), representing over 215,000 employees across Canada.
- Melissa Ferland manages a daycare centre in Ottawa.
What It’s Like to Be Parents of Many Children
In interviews with local media, Melissa and Liam emphasize the advantages, not the challenges, of parenting five children. They find it fascinating and rewarding to watch five distinct personalities grow and evolve.
Parenting both a teenager and toddlers presents unique challenges, but they’ve learned to appreciate every stage. For instance, they remind themselves that tantrums are just a fleeting phase.
The biggest reward, they say, is the love that surrounds them. Raising five children means constant hugs, teamwork, play, and conversation. Their home is filled with unconditional support, strong bonds, and immense joy.
Big Families in Ottawa and Public Interest
According to Statistics Canada, the average family size in the country has decreased to about three members since 2016. This typically includes two adults and one child. Large families, especially those with five or more children, naturally draw attention.
Melissa recalls that comments and questions about their family size began when they had three children. Instead of feeling annoyed, Melissa appreciated the curiosity, viewing it as a chance to share their experiences.
She notes that people often assume large families are religious or blended, neither of which applies to theirs.
Having a large family also requires careful planning. Spontaneous outings are nearly impossible, but these minor inconveniences are outweighed by the long-term rewards.
Life and Routine of Large Families
Raising a large family can mean significant expenses, but Melissa and Liam have found ways to live happily and frugally. Here are some of their tips:
- Shopping smart: Taking advantage of sales and monitoring deals.
- Simple, home-cooked meals: Dining out is rare, and Melissa often buys in bulk.
- DIY projects: The family saves money by handling repairs themselves.
- Minimal use of babysitters: Older children often help care for younger siblings. The couple also relies on supportive friends and neighbours when needed.
The family lives in a modest home in a walkable neighbourhood, with one car and a dog. For Melissa, their home has deep familial roots; her grandmother raised her father and 10 other siblings in the same house. Coming from a large family herself, Melissa values the close-knit connections siblings share.
Growing up in a big family teaches children to help each other, share, and develop empathy. These qualities, Melissa believes, make her children kind, thoughtful individuals.
Through love, understanding, and resourcefulness, Melissa Ferland and Liam McCarthy demonstrate that raising a large family in Ottawa can be both joyful and fulfilling. Their story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of family bonds.