Rachel Campos-Duffy on Parenting Nine Kids During the Pandemic: Lessons, Challenges, and Triumphs

Parenting is often described as one of life’s most fulfilling yet challenging responsibilities. Raising a single child comes with its own unique struggles, but imagine taking on the role of a parent to nine. Rachel Campos-Duffy, television personality, political commentator, and mother of nine children, has navigated this reality with resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication. In a recent interview, Rachel shared insights into her parenting journey, the sacrifices she and her husband Sean Duffy have made, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way—especially during the pandemic.

Building a Family While Navigating Public Life

Rachel and Sean Duffy’s journey as parents began long before they envisioned having such a large family. When they first married, Sean had just graduated from law school, working his way up to become a district attorney before eventually serving in Congress for over nine years.

“We did not know we were going to have such a big family when we got married,” Rachel admitted. “In fact, if you told us that we were going to have nine kids, we probably wouldn’t have believed you.”

Despite the demands of Sean’s political career, the couple prioritized family, ensuring that their growing household remained their central focus. In September of last year, they welcomed their ninth child, Valentina Stella Maris—a baby whose birth would prove to be both a joyful and challenging moment for the family.

A Difficult Diagnosis: Embracing the Journey with Valentina

During Rachel’s last pregnancy, doctors discovered through an ultrasound that Valentina would likely be born with Down syndrome. Further tests also revealed a congenital heart condition, with two holes in her heart and improperly functioning valves.

“We knew that once she was born, we were going to be facing heart surgery,” Rachel shared. “For Sean and me, family is always first. And being in politics while raising a family is a lot. So, we just made that decision.”

That decision was for Sean to step down from his position in Congress so they could focus on their family and prepare for the arrival of their newest member. When Valentina was born, her conditions made it difficult for her to eat, and she had to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for seven weeks.

“Seeing your baby in the NICU, hooked up to tubes and machines, is incredibly hard,” Rachel recalled. “It’s heartbreaking.”

By the time Valentina was six months old, the time had come for her critical heart surgery. The Duffy family faced another major hurdle: navigating a serious medical procedure in the middle of a global pandemic.

Parenting in a Pandemic: Overcoming Uncertainty

The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty and fear to families worldwide, and for the Duffy family, these feelings were amplified as they prepared for Valentina’s surgery.

“I was nervous. It’s hard handing your baby over to doctors and sitting in a waiting room for seven hours,” Rachel said. “When she came out of surgery, there were tubes everywhere, and she was only six months old. It was scary.”

Despite the challenges, Valentina made a remarkable recovery and was able to return home just five days after surgery. Today, she is growing and thriving, becoming the cherished center of the family.

“She is the one thing this whole family agrees on,” Rachel said affectionately. “Everyone loves her. She’s the family favorite. She’s sweet, she’s growing, and she’s doing well.”

Raising Nine Children: Faith, Structure, and Purpose

With nine children of varying ages, Rachel has had to perfect the art of parenting through experience and faith. She believes that a solid foundation in values and structure is crucial in managing a large household.

“My thought is that I’m my children’s first teacher,” she said. “I’m the most important and influential teacher they will have. So, I take that job very seriously.”

One of the ways Rachel instills purpose and discipline in her home is through a family mission statement. Hanging prominently in their kitchen, the statement reads:

“Our family exists to love and serve God and each other. We believe that each member of our family was chosen to be here, and we promise to treat ourselves and each other as gifts from God to this family.”

This guiding principle serves as a reminder of their shared purpose and responsibilities as a family unit. Rachel also has a personal motto that she frequently shares with her children:

“My job isn’t to get you into Harvard. My job is to get you into heaven.”

She explained that this perspective helps keep things in focus, ensuring that their family priorities remain grounded in faith and love rather than external pressures and societal expectations.

Homeschooling and the Role of Parents as Educators

With many parents struggling to balance work, childcare, and at-home schooling during the pandemic, Rachel emphasized the importance of parental involvement in education.

“A lot of parents are home right now, having to be teachers for the first time,” she said. “But in reality, parents have always been their children’s first teachers. That’s why it’s so important to take that role seriously.”

For Rachel, education extends beyond academics—it’s about instilling values, fostering independence, and preparing children for life beyond the classroom.

Gratitude for Medical Advancements and American Healthcare

After witnessing Valentina’s journey through heart surgery and recovery, Rachel gained a deep appreciation for medical professionals and the healthcare system.

“You think about it—her heart was the size of a walnut,” she said. “Yet, doctors were able to perform such an intricate surgery. It’s incredible.”

She expressed immense gratitude for the access they had to world-class medical care, acknowledging the efforts of healthcare workers as heroes alongside military personnel.

“We always talk about our military being our heroes, and they absolutely are. But healthcare workers? They are right up there with them.”

Finding Strength in Family and Faith

Despite the many challenges, Rachel Campos-Duffy’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Through the ups and downs of raising nine children—including navigating a pandemic and medical crises—she has remained steadfast in her belief that family is the greatest blessing of all.

Her message to parents facing their own struggles?

“Parenting is hard, but it’s also the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do. Lean into your faith, cherish your family, and trust that even in the toughest moments, there is a greater plan at work.”

As Rachel and her family continue their journey, one thing is certain: their love, unity, and resilience will see them through any challenge that comes their way.