Estonia's Large Family of the Year: 'Our children are our colleagues'

The Tõnu family, awarded the title of Large Family of the Year in Estonia, shared their family philosophy on the TV show Ringvaade. Father Laikre said all six children came unexpectedly, while mother Piret described treating her children as colleagues from whom she learns.

The family awarded Estonia's Large Family of the Year title has opened up about their unique approach to raising six children, appearing on the popular Estonian television programme Ringvaade to share their story.

Father Laikre Tõnu said that none of their six children were planned in the traditional sense — each one arrived as a surprise, and the family is deeply grateful for every one of them. «We are truly thankful for each child that came into our lives,» he said.

Mother Piret offered a refreshing perspective on parenthood, describing her relationship with her children as something closer to a partnership than a traditional parent-child dynamic. She said she views her children as colleagues — people she works alongside and from whom she can learn a great deal. This philosophy, she suggested, has shaped how the family communicates and grows together.

The Large Family of the Year award is given in Estonia to recognise families with multiple children who demonstrate strong values, mutual support, and a positive contribution to society. The Tõnu family's story highlights the joys and unexpected nature of building a large family in modern Estonia.