Life in New York City isn’t cheap-especially when you have 13 mouths to feed. Marc and Amber de la Motte, stars of Big Family, Big City, noticed their $12,000 monthly rent was quickly eating into their savings.
Marc de la Motte’s shocking confession:
“We’re paying twelve grand a month for rent. Our savings are gone. It’s scary.”
To help cover expenses, their children have been busking in the streets, playing music to bring in extra cash. Marc admitted that busking has become essential for their survival.
“We can’t keep this going, and Amber and I need to get on the same page ASAP. The situation is dire.”
Some viewers feel for their struggle. Others say they depend too much on their children’s money.
Criticism from fans:
“How can they afford NYC with so many kids?”
“They’re using their kids to sustain themselves!”
Amber believes their children love performing and learn financial responsibility from it, even with the backlash.
“Busking helps you be a better musician. You learn how to play for an audience that likes you, that doesn’t like you.”
11 kids in the big apple isn't for the faint of heart! 🗽Tune in to the all-new special #BigFamilyBigCity Tuesday at 10/9c. pic.twitter.com/cX8CvHrf7V
— TLC Network (@TLC) February 19, 2025
Big Family, Big City: From Cult-Like Upbringing to Strict Dating Rules
Before moving to New York, the de la Mottes spent 15 years in a strict Independent Fundamental Baptist Church. They still hold onto some traditional values.
Amber de la Motte’s shocking admission:
“I felt like we were brainwashed members of a cult.”
“Women were supposed to be quiet and subservient in every way.”
The church banned modern music, forcing their children to grow up without even knowing about The Beatles!
“There was nothing with a beat. Beats were evil… I didn’t even know about The Beatles until recently,” said their son Elijah.
But while the family has left their church behind, they still enforce strict dating rules-a fact that shocked many viewers.
Meet the De La Motte family—all 13 of them! Together they create beautiful music on the streets of New York City. Get to know their family on the one-hour special #BigFamilyBigCity, Tuesday February 25 at 10/9c. pic.twitter.com/8A6mZnEPqt
— TLC Network (@TLC) January 30, 2025
Big Family, Big City: “No Kissing”: The De la Mottes’ Strict Dating Guidelines
When Pearl nervously introduced her first boyfriend, Adam, her parents quickly set the rules.
Mark and Amber de la Motte’s strict dating policies:
No texting too much
No spending time alone
No kissing before marriage
“We don’t approve of dating just for the sake of dating,” Amber explained. “We believe in dating with a goal in mind, and that goal is marriage.”
Marc de la Motte doubled down, stating:
“There’s no such thing as casual dating to us. Either you’re interested in marriage, or you’re not dating.”
When they met Adam, they immediately grilled him about his intentions.
“We don’t believe in just dating for fun. We believe in dating for marriage. Is that what you believe too?” Amber asked.
Adam’s response?
“Yes. Definitely. My parents have told my siblings the same thing. Dating is for the purpose of marriage, as God intended it.”
Mark and Amber de la Motte were impressed-but also suspicious.
“He answered all of the questions correctly. Hoping he’s not too good to be true,” Amber admitted.
Big Family, Big City: Can the De la Mottes Survive NYC?
The de la Mottes are dealing with unexpected challenges in New York City. They face financial struggles, strict family rules, and a whole new way of life.
Will they be able to afford life in the Big Apple?
Can they balance their newfound freedom with their traditional values?
Will Pearl’s relationship survive under such strict dating rules?
One thing is for sure-their story is just getting started.
Share your thoughts in the comments!
