Quiverfull - How Can You Afford Them All?
by Mrs. Traci Knoppe
*4-23-06 Note: I originally wrote this article a few years ago and had it on my Titus 2 Ministries web site; I’m just now getting it copied here to my blog. Any changes or modifications to the article are in bold.
I smile every time I heard someone ask this question. Not out of disrespect, but because I realize that many times the person asking is assuming that children need all the things the world tells us they do: expensive clothes, daycare, private schools, video games, expensive vacations, way too much baby equipment, etc…. What children need most is your time and your love. Now obviously they do need to eat and have clothes to wear and a roof over their heads. But they don’t all have to have their own rooms, in a gigantic house with the newest cars in the driveway! Take-out food is a luxury, it needn’t be an everyday way of life!
One at a time: First, let’s get back to basics: God generally only gives you one baby at a time. Sometimes He has a sense of humor and doubly blesses you with twins, but not that often. 
So you are only adding to the family needs one person at a time, one little person. If with the first baby, you buy the necessities you will use, and then re-use them with each baby, your costs are very minimal those first few years. Breastfeeding is free and cloth diapering is free after the first baby! Personally, we use a cradle for our newborns, then move them to a crib, but if you practice sleep sharing with your baby, you don’t need a crib at all! I highly recommend a baby sling and perhaps a high chair for later on, and of course a car seat. Other than sleepers and a few outfits, you’re set for a newborn!
Clothing them: I have always bought most of my children’s clothing at resale shops. I like resale shops over garage sales, because they’re open when I have time to go, and they have good name-brand clothing for a whole lot less than retail. I like quality, I just don’t like retail! As a matter of fact, I rarely pay retail for anything. I don’t buy anything that we don’t need.
Feeding them: I shop at Aldi’s (a very inexpensive discount food store) and Super Walmart. I do make a monthly stop at the local bread store outlet and a little grocery here in town has great deals on meat. I make a list, and only buy what’s on my list! I do buy some things in bulk, but only those things I use often, as storage is at a premium. I like to do my own version of freezer cooking, so when I’m busy, or a family needs a meal, I have something already prepared.
Education: we homeschool, and try to use curriculum that can be re-used. Regarding college, we have a set amount that we will pay, and the rest is up to the student! There’s nothing wrong with a young adult having to work their way through college!! Note: since we moved, and found a wonderful, conservative private school closeby and it’s AFFORDABLE!! All the children now go to private school. The best news is that we only have to pay for the first three children, any over that go FREE! 
Housing: It is absolutely not necessary that every child have their own room! Some people even have enough rooms to do that, but prefer their children share to learn better how to get along and share. Some of my children have their own rooms, and some don’t. Please don’t let the size of your home be a factor in how many children you have. Yes, if God blesses you with 12 children, your 2 bedroom home may be a bit small - but pray that God will provide a bigger home, if that’s his will for your life!
Gadgets & Gizmos: In this electronic age, there are more fandangled toys on the market than ever before! These are not needs, and personally, I think there are many dangers in some of these electronic games. Just because Johnny or Suzie down the street has the latest toys, doesn’t mean your children need them too. Buy some board games and play them as a family - this is how memories are made.
So ultimately how one affords many children is by careful spending, avoiding over extravagance and faith in God - the provider of all!
Learn More About the Quiverful Movement
The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America’s Largest Families–How they Do It
A Full Quiver : Family Planning and the Lordship of Christ
Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?
Ten P’s in a Pod : A Million-Mile Journal of the Arnold Pent Family
Once again, completely agree. It sure would be nice, though, if everyone else understood needs vs. wants.