As a mother of eight, I often find myself the center of attention in public places like grocery stores, where curious strangers can’t help but count the little ones trailing behind me. When I venture out with all my children, I brace myself for the familiar questions about their paternity and whether I own a television.
We didn’t intentionally set out to have such a large family, but there’s always felt like there was someone missing. Now that they are all here, I wouldn’t trade our lively household for anything. People frequently ask how I manage it all, and honestly, it’s a bit like juggling in a circus; you keep adding new tasks while trying to balance existing ones until, inevitably, things come crashing down. That’s when the true challenge begins, as you pick up the pieces and start juggling again.
1. Embrace Organization
Organization is crucial for any busy household, especially one as large as mine. I’ve lost countless hours due to miscommunication and poor time management. There are days when I must get three children to three different locations simultaneously while also managing homework and dinner prep. To combat this chaos, I created a large family calendar on a magnetic dry erase board to keep track of everyone’s schedules—from gym days to instrument requirements for school. Syncing this calendar with Google Calendar on my smartphone and my husband’s has significantly reduced frantic calls from school about forgotten items. Above the calendar, a bulletin board keeps essential information handy, like class contacts and lunch menus. A well-organized home saves time that would otherwise be spent searching for misplaced items.
2. Involve Everyone in Household Duties
Running a household with many members requires teamwork. A chore chart is beneficial for teaching kids about responsibility and setting goals. By associating chores with privileges, we encourage responsible behavior and set clear consequences for not following through. I quickly learned that unassigned children can vanish like ninjas when chores are mentioned. By ensuring everyone has their tasks, life becomes much simpler. Surprisingly, they were eager to take on more responsibilities as soon as the chart went up!
3. Plan Meals and Shop in Bulk
Meal planning is a lifesaver, allowing for fewer trips to the grocery store. With our hectic schedule, I aim to shop once a week and, if possible, invest in a warehouse club membership to buy in bulk. My shopping trips typically involve multiple stores, each known for specific deals. For instance, I might buy 25 pounds of chicken breast, 25 pounds of ground beef, and 40 pounds of drumsticks in one go. When I return home, everything gets portioned and prepped for the month, making quick meals easy. My chest freezer is undeniably one of my best investments!
4. Tame the Clutter
Managing clutter has always been a personal challenge. In the past, I was the type of mom who saved everything, but with eight kids, that quickly spiraled into chaos. Now, I take photos of cherished items, keep a few special pieces, and dispose of the rest. Each morning, I try to set aside some time to tidy up, even if it means stepping over toys. In the evenings, we rally the kids for a “ten-minute tidy-up,” and you’d be surprised how quickly the living room can transform when everyone pitches in.
5. Prioritize Family Time
It’s important to carve out time for each other as a couple. My partner and I make it a priority to have regular date nights, whether at home or out. Sometimes it’s as simple as takeout and a movie, or even turning grocery shopping into a fun outing. Just a little time alone can make a significant difference in maintaining our connection.
6. Don’t Forget Yourself
With so much going on, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. Recognize your limits; if you feel overwhelmed, take some time for yourself, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. Whether it’s exercising, watching a show, or enjoying a bubble bath, self-care is essential. A hot shower or a quiet moment with tea can do wonders for your well-being.
Raising a large family requires hard work, love, and an abundance of joy. Whatever your family size, you know best what each member needs. Take it one day at a time; you’re doing great!
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Summary
Managing a large family involves organization, shared responsibilities, meal planning, and self-care. By implementing these strategies, you can create a harmonious and loving environment that nurtures both family connections and individual well-being.