Sue and Noel Radford, the stars of Channel 5's popular documentary series 22 Kids and Counting, have unveiled a clever and modern parenting technique they employ to keep tabs on their extensive family. With twenty-two children ranging in age from five to thirty-six, the couple has adopted a practical solution to ensure no one gets lost during their bustling holiday adventures.
High-Tech Tracking for a Huge Family
During a past appearance on ITV's Loose Women, Sue and Noel engaged in a candid discussion with panellists Christine Lampard, Janet Street-Porter, Gloria Hunniford, and Brenda Edwards about the realities of managing such a large household. When asked how they manage to monitor everyone, especially on trips, Sue disclosed their reliance on Apple AirTags.
Sue explained, "Well, when we are on holiday we have Apple AirTags on them which people find really funny but, because there's obviously a lot of them we find that they work really good." Noel added clarification, noting that while older children are connected via a WhatsApp group, it's the younger ones—those they are "frightened of losing"—who wear the AirTags for added security.
Balancing Family Life and Couple Time
The conversation on Loose Women also touched upon how Sue and Noel manage to carve out quality time for themselves amidst the chaos of raising twenty-two children. Noel responded, "We try to, we went out last week. It was only for an hour or two but it's just nice to be together on our own."
Sue chimed in, emphasising the importance of making time as a couple. She stated, "I think you have to make the time don't you. When you've got a lot of children and you've got a lot going on in your life. You've got to make time as a couple. You have to." This insight highlights the deliberate effort required to maintain their relationship while nurturing their enormous brood.
Family Dynamics and Personal Challenges
Sue, aged 50, and Noel, aged 51, are parents to Chris (36), Sophie (32), Chloe (30), Jack (28), Daniel (26), Luke (25), Millie (24), Katie (23), James (22), Ellie (20), Aimee (19), Josh (18), Max (17), Tillie (15), Oscar (14), Casper (13), Hallie (10), Phoebe (9), Archie (8), Bonnie (7), and Heidie (5). Their family life is not without its personal struggles, as recently highlighted by Sue's revelation about her eldest daughter Sophie.
Earlier this week, Sue shared that Sophie's decade-long marriage to husband Joe Bradley has ended. Speaking to the Daily Mirror ahead of the return of 22 Kids and Counting on Sunday, February 1, Sue said, "Sadly, a lot of marriages do break down, and you can't fix them. They [Sophie and Joe] aren't together anymore, but they are making it work with their three children."
The upcoming episode of the Channel 5 programme will focus on Sophie's marital breakdown. Sue expressed pride in her daughter's courage, noting, "We are really proud of Sophie for sharing this on camera. She wanted to share how she was feeling and how she is feeling now." This adds a layer of emotional depth to the family's public narrative, showcasing their resilience in the face of personal challenges.
Return to Television
22 Kids and Counting continues to captivate audiences with its honest portrayal of the Radford family's life. The series returns to Channel 5 on Sundays at 8pm, offering viewers further insights into their unique dynamics, from high-tech tracking methods to heartfelt personal stories. As Sue and Noel navigate the complexities of parenting twenty-two children, their innovative approaches and unwavering commitment provide a fascinating glimpse into modern family life on a grand scale.
