When you have a big family, you’re bound to hear the same questions repeatedly:
- Your grocery expenses must be astronomical!
- How many laundry cycles do you tackle each week?
- I can’t fathom how you manage it all!
I understand the curiosity; having several children is quite rare these days. So, let me share a glimpse into our life. It’s not quite like what you see on TV with the Duggars, nor is it resembling John and Kate Plus 8. With seven kids—five of whom are under ten—here’s the real scoop:
- Crying is Constant. There’s always someone shedding tears. However, you quickly distinguish between genuine cries and those that are just for show. You’ll soon know whether to rush in for help or just grab your earplugs from the other room.
- You’re Always Navigating Obstacles. Picture walking with your two-year-old, who is leisurely strolling in front of you at a snail’s pace, and all you want is to get past her. This scenario plays out in nearly every room of the house.
- Lost Items are a Given. Something is perpetually misplaced—be it a shoe, a book, or a sippy cup. You’ll find yourself on an endless quest for the missing item.
- The Sink and Dishwasher are Never Empty. If you’re not looking for something lost, you are likely engaged in loading or unloading the dishwasher, which feels like a full-time job.
- Matching Socks? Forget It. Instead, you rummage through a box of socks hoping to find two that belong together.
- Sick Kids are a Winter Norm. From November to April, it seems like one child recovers just as another falls ill, creating a continuous cycle of sniffles and coughs until the weather warms up.
- No Need for Playdates. With so many siblings, you can easily engage in two-on-two basketball, kickball, or even create your own plays and movies without needing to invite anyone over.
- Things Get Broken Daily. Whether it’s a plate, a window, or even a promise, expect something to break every day.
- Rushing is Standard. You know the frantic rush at the start of Home Alone? That’s pretty much our routine every time we leave the house—for school, practice, or errands.
- Noise is Part of Life. While crying and squabbling can be grating, there’s also joyous noise. The sound of laughter, especially the belly laughs of kids, fills the home and is a sweet reminder of the joy amidst the chaos.
Despite the challenges, there’s a lot of cooperation, sharing, and support among the children. You’ll find an abundance of hugs, “I love yous,” and peaceful moments as they sleep. All these elements combine to create a truly wonderful experience.
For those interested in family expansion, you might find useful insights in our post about at-home insemination kits, which can be found here. Additionally, if you’re navigating the transition from crib to toddler bed, this resource offers great advice. For further understanding of the topic, check out this Wikipedia page on artificial insemination.
In summary, raising a large family is a mix of laughter, chaos, and love. It’s a unique journey filled with challenges but equally abundant in joy and connection.