All 3 sizes break down into 2 pieces - mount and tube - but the total weight increases with size from about 37lbs for the 6" to 57lbs for the 10".

The 8" gathers about 60% more light than the 6", and the 10" gathers about 75% more light than the 8", so there is a dramatic increase in the ability to resolve faint deep sky objects between to 6" and the 10".

All 3 scopes will need collimating from time to time - it is very simple with the 6" and proportionately harder, and more crucial as you go larger.

Where the 10" is better for deep sky objects, it has been said that the 6" handles planets better.
Sure, the 10" can do planets, but so can the 6" see hundreds of deep sky targets.

The 6" is half the price of the 10".

A 6" mirror will cool down much faster that the 10", though if you have an unheated storage place then that wouldn't be much of a factor.

The 8" runs the middle road between the other 2 on all issues.

Personally, my wife and I don't have kids but I am happy with our 6", firstly for the portability, and secondly for the simplicity.

It's a tough call but one of the "funner" decisions to have to make.

Glenn