The family of Nguyen Van Vy, born in 1944, and Dang Thi Ngot, born in 1946, in Ha Trung district, Thanh Hoa province, is well-known for having 10 children, including five sons and five daughters, all of them married, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Having a large family and being cared for by their children in their old age is the “sweet fruit” the couple has reaped after years of hard work.

Their children, in order, are: Nguyen Van Vinh (born 1970), Nguyen Van An (1972), Nguyen Thi Ha (1976), Nguyen Thi Hanh (1977), Nguyen Van Dai (1980), Nguyen Thi Dung (1982), Nguyen Van Chinh (1984), Nguyen Van Nghia (1986), Nguyen Thi Binh (1989), and Nguyen Thi Minh (1993).

Youngest daughter Nguyen Thi Minh said her parents never planned their family size, giving birth whenever pregnant. All 10 children were born naturally, and to her parents, no child was “unplanned.”

In their youth, Minh’s parents worked multiple jobs to raise and educate their children. Her father fished at sea, while her mother helped with fishing, farmed, and raised livestock for extra income.

Nguyen Thi Binh (the ninth child) said her parents were rarely at home. Struggling to make ends meet, household chores and caring for younger siblings fell to the older ones.

“We supported each other. To me and my youngest sister, our older siblings were like second parents,” Binh said.

Back then, the family lived in a three-room house, with brothers sharing one room and sisters another.

The large family needed a large pot of rice for each meal, which the children devoured before it cooled. Despite the challenges of a large family, Binh never felt deprivation. Her parents worked tirelessly to ensure their children had enough food, clothes, and proper education.

In raising their children, Vy was strict. He believed both sons and daughters should be carefully molded in behavior, speech, and values.

Her mother was always tolerant and forgiving with her children. Her sweet affection was like compensation for her father's strictness, helping Binh and her siblings feel the warmth of family.

All 10 siblings are now businesspeople. Binh runs a bridal service shop in Bim Son town.

All siblings are married and live in Thanh Hoa, many near their parents. The couple has 30 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. They live together with the eighth son and other children visit them every day.

Once a month, the 10 children, their spouses, and in-laws gather at their parents’ home, eating, singing, and chatting joyfully. During holidays and Tet, the children and grandchildren fill the house, making it lively with laughter.

Thanh Minh