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The Shocking Reality: 7 Ways The De La Motte 'Big Family, Big City' Move To NYC Defied Expectations

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The de la Motte family's experiment in urban living was one of the most talked-about reality TV moments of early 2025, capturing the chaotic and complex logistics of moving a family of 13 from the quiet suburbs of San Diego to the fast-paced, cramped environment of Harlem, New York City. The one-hour TLC special, titled *Big Family, Big City*, premiered on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and instantly drew viewers into the high-stakes world of parents Marc and Amber de la Motte and their 11 children as they attempted to make a mega-family life work in one of the world's most expensive and densely populated locales. However, the glossy reality TV narrative quickly gave way to a much messier, and ultimately more revealing, truth about the challenges of raising a large, conservative family in a liberal, space-starved metropolis. The special's short run and the subsequent public statements from the family's matriarch, Amber de la Motte, have provided a fresh, unique, and cautionary tale for any large family considering an urban migration, highlighting the stark realities of cost, space, and cultural adjustment that even a social media-savvy family could not easily overcome.

The De La Motte Family Profile and Biography

The de la Motte family, the subjects of the TLC special *Big Family, Big City*, are a conservative, musical family unit of 13 who gained a significant following on social media before their television debut.
  • Parents: Marc and Amber de la Motte.
  • Family Size: 13 members (Marc, Amber, and 11 children).
  • Previous Residence: The quiet suburbs of San Diego, California.
  • New Residence: Harlem, New York City.
  • Family Ethos: Described as a conservative family.
  • Father's Occupation (Marc): Freelance graphic designer.
  • Mother's Occupation (Amber): Full-time stay-at-home mom who also edits the family's social media footage.
  • Social Media Presence: They operate a popular social media account called "The Happy Caravan," which focuses on their life and musical talents.
  • Musical Talents: All members of the family play string instruments, contributing to their "Musical Family of 13" brand.
  • TLC Special: *Big Family, Big City*, a one-hour special that premiered on February 25, 2025.
  • Future Series Status: Amber de la Motte publicly stated that the special would not be turned into a regular TLC series, expressing dissatisfaction with the final cut.

7 Unexpected Realities of Raising 11 Kids in New York City

The de la Motte family's move to Harlem was a fascinating case study in urban parenthood, immediately highlighting the immense logistical and financial hurdles faced by mega-families in a major metropolitan area. The following points, drawn from their experience and the broader challenges of urban family life in 2025, reveal why the *Big Family, Big City* experiment was so challenging.

1. The Unbearable Cost of Living and the "Dire" Financial Situation

New York City consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities globally, and the de la Mottes quickly faced a dire financial reality. Housing for a family of 13 requires a massive, multi-bedroom apartment, which in Harlem can easily command rents far exceeding suburban costs. Marc and Amber had to be extremely resourceful, with Amber noting that the experience taught the children how to deal with money effectively. The financial strain of urban density and high utility costs is exponentially multiplied by the number of family members.

2. The Chaos of Daily Logistics and the "Getting Out the Door" Problem

The simple act of leaving the house becomes an epic undertaking with 11 children. Amber de la Motte admitted that "Trying to get out of the house is chaos." This logistical nightmare involves coordinating clothing, shoes, 11 different schedules, and ensuring everyone is fed and ready on time. In a big city, where public transportation or walking are often the primary modes of travel, the sheer volume of people makes every outing a major production, a stark contrast to the ease of loading into a large suburban van.

3. The Severe Lack of Space and Small Apartments

One of the most immediate challenges for big families in big cities is the lack of physical space. City apartments are notoriously cramped, and even a large apartment by NYC standards would feel small for 13 people. This limited outdoor space and indoor area can lead to friction, a lack of privacy, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed. The de la Mottes had to adapt to a lifestyle where small-space living was the norm, a major shift from their San Diego home.

4. Balancing Social Media Income and Reality TV Expectations

The de la Mottes leveraged their social media following—"The Happy Caravan"—as a source of income, posting musical videos and family updates. However, the TLC special exposed the tension between their carefully curated online image and the messy, unscripted reality of their move. The pressure to maintain a digital family brand while simultaneously navigating real-world financial and logistical issues added an extra layer of stress to their transition.

5. Cultural Adjustments and the Conservative-to-Liberal Shift

Moving from a conservative background to a diverse, liberal hub like New York City, particularly Harlem, presented a significant cultural challenge. The family's conservative values likely clashed with the progressive, fast-paced, and diverse environment of their new neighborhood. This cultural friction is a major, often unspoken, hurdle for families who relocate from ideologically homogenous areas to a major urban center.

6. The Educational and Extracurricular Juggling Act

Enrolling 11 children in new schools and coordinating their various extracurricular activities—especially their string instrument practice and performances as a musical family—is a monumental task. Big cities offer unparalleled opportunities, but accessing them requires complicated scheduling, long commutes, and navigating competitive school systems. The sheer volume of school meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and rehearsals for 11 kids is a full-time job in itself.

7. The Reality TV Backlash and Loss of Control

Perhaps the most unexpected reality was the family's dissatisfaction with the TLC special itself. Amber de la Motte publicly revealed that she was not pleased with the final cut and confirmed that *Big Family, Big City* would not be picked up as a regular series. This outcome underscores the inherent risk for social media families who transition to traditional reality TV: the loss of control over their narrative. Their experience is a fresh reminder that the TV version of a "big city, big family" life is often dramatically different from the lived experience.

The Future of 'Big Family, Big City' and Urban Mega-Families

The de la Motte family's brief foray into New York City life and reality television serves as a contemporary benchmark for the challenges of urban parenthood in the mid-2020s. While big cities offer undeniable advantages like cultural diversity, career opportunities, and world-class education, the sheer economic and logistical burden on multi-child households remains immense. The family's decision to not pursue a full series, coupled with Amber's public critique of the special, suggests that the reality of their Harlem relocation was far too complex and challenging for a simple reality TV format. Their story, however, continues to resonate with a growing number of people interested in the dynamics of large family living and the economic pressures facing modern parents. The de la Mottes, through their popular social media channel, will likely continue to document their life, providing a more authentic, self-controlled view of their journey beyond the confines of the TLC special. Their experience highlights a key trend: for many, the dream of raising a big family in a big city remains a financial and logistical puzzle that few can truly solve without immense sacrifice and a robust, multi-faceted income stream.
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