The Realities of Raising a Large Family

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When it comes to parenting a large family, you’re bound to hear common questions and comments repeatedly. Observations like:

• “Your grocery bill must be astronomical!”
• “How many loads of laundry do you tackle each week?”
• “I can’t fathom how you manage it all!”

This curiosity is understandable, especially in today’s society where having multiple children is less common. Allow me to share a glimpse into this unique experience. It’s quite different from what you may see on reality TV shows.

With seven kids at home, five of whom are under ten, here are the realities of our daily lives:

1. Constant Crying: There is always someone in tears. You quickly learn to distinguish between real distress and the more theatrical forms of crying. With time, you can assess whether it requires immediate attention or if you can simply grab your earplugs from another room.
2. Obstacles Everywhere: You often find yourself navigating around children moving at a snail’s pace. Picture trying to walk past your two-year-old who is meandering in front of you—this scenario plays out in every room, all day long.
3. Endless Searching: Items are perpetually misplaced, whether it’s a shoe, a book, or a beloved toy. The hunt for missing belongings is a daily ritual.
4. Never-Ending Dishes: The sink and dishwasher are in a constant state of fullness. When not searching for lost items, you’re either loading or unloading the dishwasher.
5. Lost Socks: Finding a matching pair of socks is nearly impossible. You resort to rummaging through a box of assorted socks, hoping to find two that will suffice.
6. Frequent Illness: From November to April, sickness seems to be a family trend. As soon as one child recovers, another typically falls ill, creating a cycle that lasts until the weather warms up.
7. Built-In Playdates: With a large family, you don’t need to schedule playdates. Kids can easily engage in a variety of games, from basketball to tag, without needing to invite friends over.
8. Daily Breakages: Expect something to break almost every day—be it a dish, a frame, or even a heart.
9. Constant Rushing: Similar to that chaotic scene in Home Alone, every time you need to leave the house—whether for school or errands—everything becomes a frantic race against time.
10. Noise Levels: While the cacophony of crying and bickering can be overwhelming, there are also joyful sounds, like the genuine laughter of your children. When you have many kids, these happy moments abound, and they are truly cherished.

Beyond the chaos, you also witness an abundance of cooperation, sharing, and support. There are far more hugs, “I love yous,” and peaceful moments where you can watch your children sleep soundly. These experiences make it all worthwhile.

For additional insights into family dynamics and parenting, you might find this article on home insemination beneficial. If you’re interested in resources related to pregnancy, consider visiting Womens Health, which provides excellent information. And for tools on how to manage home insemination, check out Make A Mom.

Summary

Raising a large family comes with its share of challenges and joys. From the constant noise to the daily chaos, it’s a unique experience filled with love, laughter, and the occasional breakdown. Understanding these dynamics can help those considering a larger family see the beauty in the busyness.