Communication Studies Vol. 56, No. 4, December 2005, pp. 331–351 ISSN 1051–0974 (print)/ISSN 1745–1035 (online) © 2005 Central States Communication Association DOI: 10.1080/10510970500319401 Don’t You Know What Causes That? Advice, Celebration, and Justification in a Large Families Bulletin Board Lorin Basden Arnold Taylor and Francis Ltd RCST_A_131923.sgm 10.1080/10510970500319401 Communication Studies 0008-9575 (print)/1745-1035 (online) Original Article 2005 Central States Communication Association 56 4 000000December 2005 Lorin BasdenArnold Department of Communication StudiesRowan UniversityGlassboroNJ 08028U.S.A. (856)256-4293 arnold@rowan.edu A thematic analysis of an on-line bulletin board for parents of large families revealed three prominent patterns of talk related to advice seeking and giving, celebration of family, and justification of family size. This combination of discursive behaviors seem to be largely social supportive in nature and may have implications regarding the lack of face-to-face social support for large families and the potential importance of communication within on-line groups for providing that support. Keywords: Large Families; Bulletin Boards; Narratives; Social Support; Justification Most pregnant women have had the experience of having a stranger touch their stom- achs, or tell them what to eat and drink (or not eat and drink), or what to do (or not do). Most parents of a newborn have had someone tell them to “put a hat on the baby,” or that the baby is too warm in that outfit, or the baby needs to be fed, or if you hold him or her that much you will spoil him or her. Most parents of toddlers have had someone look askance as their child throws a tantrum, eats candy, etc. There is some- thing about the parenting process that seems to open an invitation for comment, advice, and criticism. Parents of large families get all of that again, and again, and again. But, they also get people asking if they are “done yet” or if they “know what causes that” or if they “really need that many children” or how they can afford that many children. The diversity of family forms in the United States means that the majority of people do not live in the family often presented as the standard (married heterosexual parents with two or three children) in media and public images. Today, large families are considered unusual in the U.S. However, understanding communication both within Lorin Basden Arnold (Ph.D. Purdue University, 1996) is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Rowan University. Her area of focus is family communication. The author extends thanks to the many people who participated in the review and editorial process for this piece as it developed from NCA conference presentation to journal publication. Correspondence to: Lorin Basden Arnold, Department of Communication Studies, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, U.S.A. Tel: (856)256-4293; Email: arnold@rowan.edu