Bringing Up Bates Today

The Bates family’s lifestyle is rooted in a specific set of traditional principles that defined much of the show’s ten-season run:

: Perhaps their most famous tradition, this annual Valentine’s Day celebration features themed costume contests and a large family gathering, often serving as a setting for major announcements. Life After UPtv Bringing Up Bates

: All 19 children were homeschooled, with the family frequently discussing their devotion to God and their decision to allow Him to determine their family size by avoiding birth control. The Bates family’s lifestyle is rooted in a

: The family has expanded rapidly beyond the original 19. As of late-stage filming, the family included numerous spouses and over a dozen grandchildren. As of late-stage filming, the family included numerous

The show was often characterized by what the family called "organized chaos"—managing the logistics of a 21-person household. Whether it was massive spring cleaning projects, family trips to Florida, or the rush to finish wedding plans, the series aimed to portray a large family facing life's challenges with "love, humor, and Christian values".