Family Talk: Father of 22 Being Sued for Unpaid Child Support

This article was written by Liliana De Jesus.

We all know raising kids is not cheap.

Orlando Shaw seems to be learning that lesson the hard way. Thefather of 22 children is being sued for unpaid child support owed for their care, The Huffington Post reported.

The Nashville resident admitted that he has trouble finding employment due to prior arrests and stints in jail.

A Nashville News Channel 5 report revealed that $7,000 is paid out monthly by the state to assist the 14 mothers in supporting Shaw’s children.

Seemingly clueless about what his role as a father should be and what it really means to take part in creating a life, Shaw stated "you can't knock no man for loving women."

The 33-year-old has kids ranging in age from infant to 18 years old, according to Hypervocal.

Shaw said that he loves his children and considers himself to be a good father, although the parameters with which he is gauging that were not discussed.

Citing the fact that he “was young and ambitious” and “love[s] women,” Shaw does not appear to see the error of his ways.

The cost of raising a child in the United States is approximately $250,000 over the course of 17 years, according to USA Today.

With 22 kids and, hopefully, not counting, Shaw is looking at $5.5 million. His eldest, however, is already 18 years-old and it is evident Shaw has not upheld is financial responsibilities as a father.

With the state of Tennessee footing part of the bill, Shaw faces the risk of returning to jail if he does not get his financial responsibilities in order.

While Shaw is not running from the law in this matter, it is clear that he does not perceive that being financially accountable for his children is a necessity.

What’s worse is that Shaw goes so far as to call himself a good father.

A good father is someone who cares for his kids emotionally, physically and financially. It is not enough to just be physically and emotionally available.

A good father acknowledges the costs involved with raising kids and provides for them monetarily.

Having 22 kids is not an excuse for totally abandoning a large portion of what it means to be a parent. Making provisions and thinking proactively, which good parents do, is necessary in ensuring the needs of your children are met.