We now find ourselves firmly entrenched in the “larger family” camp. Just a few generations ago having a family of 4 children would be considered on the smaller side, not necessitating sideways glances and constant exclamations of “you’ve got your hands full”. But, in our hurried and harried culture, I understand, 4 kids can seem like an awful lot. An awful lot of running around, an awful lot of mouths to feed, an awful lot of doctors visits, an awful lot of noise and chaos. And truly, you’re right, having 4 kids is all of those things. But, it’s also joy.
Chaos and disorganization doesn’t get to me, but noise does. The one thing about having a larger family (and a house with all wood floors downstairs) is the constant noise. The noise is one thing I haven’t figured out a “less fuss” solution for, yet. But, as for the rest of the crazy of having lots of little people…I’m figuring out that there are often ways to do it that require far less crazy than we sometimes expect.
Sometimes it’s lowering our expectations (and you should feel grace in that!). Sometimes it’s asking for help (and you should feel freedom in that!). Sometimes it’s training your children in what to expect (and you should feel good about that!).
I’m not a parenting expert. I am not even an intermediate parent. I’m simply a mom who has 4 crazy boys, a full heart, and a creative appetite that doesn’t satiate. I’ve had to learn to work within the confines of the limitations of my life. Most of the limitations I live with are A) of my own choosing and B) things I would never trade. But, limitations breed innovation. And sometimes your life as a mother needs some innovation.
I’m sharing the things I’ve picked up along the way in The Influence Network’s class “Tips and Tools for Moms of Littles”. I don’t have it all together. I don’t even have it 14% together. But, I enjoy most everything I do. Being a mom feels 86% peaceful for me, and the times when it doesn’t feel peaceful, I know those times will pass. I’d love to share with you what I’ve learned!
12 Comments on "how to care for lots of kids"
Your kids are adorable. We are about to have our 5th and everything has been so crazy lately. really trying to take a step back and remain calm and not yell so much- this has proved difficult. But, they are so worth it.
I’ll be honest…I did some yelling in my last days of pregnancy. There is grace upon grace for that.
(new follower here) — I am not a mom, yet. We are going to start trying soon – chaos, disorganization & nose – my three worst nightmares all mixed together.
i suppose that over time i will adjust to these things? right? Please tell me that after time you learn to adjust, and while your tolerance might be low, it’s not zero.
my eyes do widen when someone has 4 kids – it just seems like so.much.work!
But what a blessing to have 4 babies.
we have decided on 2.
time will tell what really happens.
oh, you do adjust! i never ever ever in a million years thought I’d love being a mom. I never wanted to be a mom, really…And here I am…loving the mess out of these small dudes. :)
this post is so great! I’m still a newlywed- no kids on the way yet but I love seeing other people’s families and it gives me such encouragemetn that large families are not unfeasible. but they’re not for the faint of heart either!
Love this post – I grew up as one of eight kids and my husband and I are hoping to have five. Big families are awesome :-). Most of the time when people ask how you do things (meals, trips, school, baths, etc) with so many kids, I think “you just do”. It might take more time but you just do what you gotta do and it’s So worth it! Love seeing pictures of your brood together :-)
LOVE LOVE THIS. WE HAVE 4 ALSO AND I COULD DEFINITELY USE SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO HAVE LESS FUSS!
(THE NOISE GETS TO ME TOO!) XOXO
Hiya! i just came over from naptime diapies. you ladies are just so lovely and inspiring. i’m a mama to three young ins- 4, 2, and 10 months, so i need all the encouragement i can get. love this post. every day i’m learning what to let go and what’s important to me. i’m ever changing, evolving mama, full of grace.
I recently joined the influence network and i am so excited about the class!!. I have a 3 yro and a 16 month old. There are many days where i have to pray for grace towards them but also being able to give myself grace. it’s hard with little ones but it is so worth it. I am really looking forward to the influence class!
I have 4 to and I remember the first time I realized it was an unusual thing for folks nowadays. We were all at Walmart and this man looked at me and said, “now that’s a passel of kids you’ve got there!”
Wow- so looking forward to this class. I’ve only got one so far and I am already feeling like I am struggling to manage. Things still feel awkward a foreign some days–even at 8 months.
I have two boys and hardwood floors…it is loud! I joke that I’m going to invest in some noise canceling headphones. Reasonable expectations and support around you make a world of difference.